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LAN ARGUS. PAGES 9 ,TO 12. PART TWO. THE ARGUS, SATURDAY, 'MARCH 24, 190G. HESPER BY HMMLIN GKRLHND Copyright, 1003, by HAMLIN GARLAND. ROCK CHAPTEK XXIL T" AYMOXD looked back occasion Kally, half expecting pursuit, lie could see In the valley below the town the gleaming white tents of the little army hesitant to march, and its plan of Invasion seemed 'born of folly and inadnesa. lie spurred his hone down the trail to meet the night which rose to meet him from the valley like a chill, engulfing flood. An hour's brisk rMe brought him to the open, and just at the edge of the peak he came upon a forlorn camp, a small tent under a fir, and a group of four men fitting about a fire. At their call he turned and rode up to them. They were an outpost of Muuro's guard, a part of the cordon he had thrown round the peak and camp. One of them knew htm and. greeting hhn pleasantly, asked where he had been. lie replied with candor, "I've been down to the Springs to Induce those yaller legs to put off their expedi tion.- -What luck did ye have?" "None. They're coming.' Significant glances passed, and the firelight brought out 6tern lines on their faces. At length Brown, the cor poral, said solemnly: "Well, if they want fight they can have it. But say. Bob, does the captain know you're on the road? There was a hullabaloo in town about you last night. A lot of the fellers think you went down to give away the camp, and 6ome said if you ever came back they'd string you up. Now, I guess you better stay here while I ride up and tell the cap you're here." I don't think that's necessary, but you might Jog along with me if you want to go. Otherwise I'll go alone. -Well, I'll tell ye. Rob," said Brown In an embarrassed way, "these mon keys on the peak have got an awful slant against you and Kelly, and they's two or three fellers who are working against you underhand right along. You don't want to take no chances. They'll do ye If they can." Raymond was impressed with Brown's earnestness and by the ad mirable loyalty of his fellows camped there In the snow. "Boys, what are you staying here for?" he asked. "This Isn't a picnic. What do you do it for?" Brown answered, "We do it because we want to help these miners stand off the -plutes." " Raymond mused. "But you're friend ly toward Kelly & Raymond f "Sure thing. You fellers are ail right. You've punched cows, and Kelly is an -H-broncho buster himself. But let me tell ye this. Rob, we're goin to need yon and your men If these chaps come up here the way they talk o doln" "There they arc building the fort." with Gatllng guns and all that. The boys have been rolh'n logs for a fort all day. You can Just about Bee it from here Just on that point." "Well, suppose we ride along," said Raymond, and as he took a last look around his heart warmed to these rough souls who had taken sides in a quarrel not their own. moved by a blind desire to aid their fellows in a war against privilege and social caste. Brown called another man out of the group to ride with them, and they started away. On the hill ast of the town and overlooking the valley lights could be seen flickering. The corporal lifted his arm and pointed that way. There they are building the fort." Raymond's blood began to stir, his military instruction to freshen, and for a moment, as he paused there In the darkness, he understood something of Mnnro's Joy in a defensive campaign, but he said aloud: "It's all a mistake. Brown. They can't afford to fight the sheriff. The law Is on his side." Brown, grimly replied, "Well, we'll give him a little run for his money, anyway." Raymond smiled at the boyish qual ity of this remark, but made no com ment upon It, and allowed himself to !w led bv a roundabout path to the weSt side of the town. At last nis guide paused. "You're all right now." "I wish you'd tell Jack I'm here and that I want to see him," said Ray mond. "I'm much obliged to you." wrOAJLhasjJLrist. Robilftke Jeer s' I I yerseir." Ana tne two men roae otT. "Good luck, boys." As he rode op to Kelly's cabin and called out. "Hello, the house!" Matt opened the door and, with a lad on either side of him, peered out. "Is that you. Ryb?" "The very same. Matt." "Well, now, wait a whist and IH come and put out your horse." Mrs. Kelly called cheerily: "Rob, we're glad to see you safe returned Are you hungry V lie slid from his horse. "I am emp ty as a wolf in March," he replied. "Where's Louis?" "Louis! He hasn't returned. Didn't you leave him at the Springs?" "No. He left early this morning and Ann thought he had hit the stage road for the eanip. I hope he hasn't gone wrong." This news took away a large part of his pleasure in the friendly hearth to which he was welcomed and, removing his outer garments, he bent to the blaze in silence while Mrs. Kelly spread some food before him. Kelly listened to the news of Louis disappearance with less concern. "He's run into some of Munro's men and Is probably up at headquarters. lie couldn't get lost. He knows the road. What's the word from the valley?" "They're coming. Matt" "When?" "Tonight or tomorrow." "I've been receiving delegations and posters and all kinds of warnin's. It's been a lively day on the hill. They're buildln a fort." So Frank Brown told me. How do our men feel?" Matt rubbed his chin. "They're a little uneasy, to tell the truth." Mrs. Kelly Interrupted. "Sit up and eat, Rob. Talk afterward." Raymond could see that Kelly was disturbed, and that he bad something to tell which he did not care to have Nora know. It was plain that he no longer minimized the danger, and his face fell easily into stern lines. Seizing the moment when his wife left the room to put the youngsters to bed, the big miner laid a sheet of paper before his partner. "What do you think of that?" Raymond looked at the death's head warning, for such It was, with amaze ment. It seemed at first sight a rough Joke. In one corner glared the conven tional crossbones and skull, rudely drawn, and to the right and beneath them sprawled the word "Beware!" All this was amusing, but the logic of the argument which followed gave him thought: This neutral business Is played out. Either you are for us cr you are for the dudes. If you are for the dudes, get out. If you are for us. send In your men to help us repel the Invaders. This is our first warning. Kemember the Red Star! COMMITTEE. Raymond rose. "Let's go down to my shack. We can talk matters over there more freely." "I'll be with you in a few minutes," answered Kelly. It was warm In the cabin, for the faithful Perry had built a fire early In the evening, and nfter he had light ed a couple of candles end kicked the fire into a blaze the room resumed it3 cheerful glow, but he was too deeply disturb! over Louis' nonappearance to fully enjoy it. He took out his revolv cr and was examining it carefully as Kelly entered. "Did ye meet with any trouble. Rob!" "None. Some of the committee of safety wanted to arrest me and hold me as hostage, but Barnett stood 'em off. I didn't see a soul till on my way back I came on one of Jack's picket posts, where I found four men camp ed in misery and eating snowballs for supper." "It's strange the power he has over them wild cowboys. Drunk or sober, they do as he tells them. His trouble will come with Brock and Smith, who are neUher miners nor cowboys, for they are all tryin" to derive their power from Carter, who Is dead sick of the business and likely to fly the coop at any minute. Where you goln'?" "Uptown to take a look round for Louis." "You go not! 'Tis a poor time for you to visit the street. They have it In their heads that you are playin the spy." "I must find that boy. He left the Springs at 8 this morning, and his sis ter is worried about him." "I will go for ye, Rob. It's too dan gerous for you." Raymond roue and laid a hand on Kelly's shoulder. "See here. Matt, I want to talk plainly to you. You've got to bundle up that little wife and the boys and get out of here. I'm go- j lng to take a hand In this game. I'm going to call the Independents togeth er and make a stand." Kelly faced him. "If ye make a stand I must be beside ye. What Is your plan?" "I will not tell you unless you prom ise, to take ora out of danger." Kelly's face grew stern, and his voice fell to a level hoarseness that sent a quiver through the young man's blood. "See here, boy, we struck hands on this partnership. We share and share alike. I am with ye and so Is Nora. I am ready to dig a hole In the ground and stand 'em off. I'm worn out with their comin and goln', whlp sawin now on this, now on that side o the question. They've declared war I on us. Now, by the powers, we II meet 'em halfway!" Raymond surrendered. "All right. aiatt. here's my hand.. , We'll defend Nora and tne mine too. AVhen your fighting blood is up I don't want any dispute between us." . Kelly's eyes began to twinkle. begin to draw me breath natural again For weeks I've been wanting to put me Ost beneath the noses of these rap scallions, but for fear of Ann and Nor I could not." "Very well, we'll send out a call for a meeting tonight. The quicker we move the better. I feel as you do now wo are acting a man's part. There Is a big element here that Is sick of this monkey business. Half the camp will rally In our support. I know It. Then we will serve notice on Munro" The sound of hurrying feet Interrupted him, and a iuoineut later Louis burst into the room. "Oh, Rob, I'm glad you're here. Hel lo, Matt: He shook hands, breathing heavily. Ills skin was flushed and his eyes shining. "You ought to be up town. Jack is inakin 'cm sit up. He shot one man. They were building a fort, and a drunken fellow" "Take your time," said Raymond coldly. "There are several minutes left in the box. You might begin at the be ginning and tell me why you sueaked away again without saying goodby to Ann?" The boy was not daunted. "As soon as I beam wuat tne snerin s pians were I wanted to leave, but It was so dark; that was last night. I was afraid to try it, so this morning I pulled out early." "Where have you been nil day?" "I've been with Jack. I met his men way down the canyon, and they took me to headquarters, where I told my story, and then I went to supper with Jack; and then this big row came on, and I stayed to see that. Oh, but Jack Is fine! He faced the whole crowd alone. One man wanted to clean out your cabin. He said It was a nest of traitors. He drew his gun on Jack, but he hadn't time to pull the trigger. Jack's bullet went through his arm." Raymond, who had been studying the lad with softening glance. Interrupted him: "Now, see here, Louis, you- sit down here by the fire. Don't let your words all try to get out of the corral at the same time. We want to know all about It, but we don't want you to hurry. It's only 10 o'clock, and you can get over a whole lot of ground by midnight." 4 The two men looked at each other with grave eyes. The boy was trem bling with excitement, and his voice was high and strained. Kellv said gently: "My lad, 'twould serve your sister better if you kept out of this. I don't like to see you ruling between the lines as a spy." I didn't intend to be a spy, but when I heard the trick they were going to play I couldn't help hurrying back." "What trick?" "Why, they're going to load all their men Into freight cars and make them keep quiet, and thou they're going to run them through Jack's guard at Boggy clear to the end of the rails." That's a very nice plan," said Ray mond. "When do they intend to come?" "Tomorrow night if the guns arrive for which they are waiting." "How did you drop on to this?" "I heard Cousin Don tell Dr. Uraide. He wanted Dr. Braide to follow next day in case of accidents." "You've told this to Jack?" "Yes. I wanted to come and see you. Matt, but he said I could tell you aft erward." Raymond again looked at his partner. "Well, I don't see that there is any thing for us to do now." "Jack told me to tell you to be on your guard tonight. He said he'd come down and see jou if possible. Oh. I feel so cold." he ended, drawing nearer the fire. "I'm all trembly over my chest." "I reckon you better strip off your clothes and go to bed. This has been a hard day for you." He seemed stiff, and was shivering convulsively. "I believe I will. Rob, I don't feel any good." As Raymond helped him to undress the boy's teeth began to chatter, and he drew his breath with a hissing moan. "I guess I've taken an awful cold, Rob. My breast aches so." "Matt, go ask Nora to come over and bring her little medicine case. This boy's got a chill right now." "A swallow of whisky will fix that," answered Matt as he went out. "I'll be back In a jiffy." Raymond bundled Louis Into bed and heaped him with blankets and furs, his heart deeply stirred with anx iety, for as the boy's mind turned from the excitement of bis day's experi ences to his condition be became deep ly depressed. He fairly collapsed. Mrs. Kelly, with her "emergency case" of medicine and a knowledge of sickness gained in years of maternal care in the rough country, was a great comfort to Raymond, but she could not keep down his growing anxiety. The boy's body was so small and frail when stripped of Its clothing! Under their vigorous ministrations the suf ferer ceased to shake and at last fell into a hot, uneasy doze. Raymond, seeing this, whispered: "You must go home. I will watch." "No, Rob, you must sleep. I forgot you bad no sleep last night." Oh, yes, I did. I took a nap at Bar- nett'8. Please go to bed. To this arrangement she submitted, and, taking his seat close by the boy's couch, Raymond studied his flushed Xaccmorcoacemed at that mpmpnt over' his temperature ' and pulse than with the brawling crowds, the Invading force or the fate of his mine. When Munro knocked on his door he went out upon the threshold and repeated the failure of his mission, while the captain of the vedettes listened with his horse's rein across his arm. At the end he merely said: "All right. Let them come; they will find us ready Did the kid turn up all right?" "He turned up, but he has taken a chill and Is burning with fever." Munro seemed concerned. "He bad nothing on but that little gray jacket I tried to warm him up with some whisky and a supper. I hope he won't be laid up. Well, now, old mau, what are you going to do help w or the dudes?" "I can't decide anything tonight. I'm worried about this boy. If he is better in the morning I'll have something de clsive to say to you." "All right; take your time, only don't take too long. It's up to you to decide. Good night. Keep me posted on the boy's condition." A half hour later Jim Dolan and two or three of his fellow reporters tum bled in, eager to know what Raymond had seen in the valley. To them he said: "Hoys. I haven't a word to say. I'm sorry I cau't offer you a bed, for Louis, my boy friend, is very sick. Dolan, I -wish 3'ou would send up the best doctor in Bozle. Tell him there's money in it if he comes tonight." To Matt, Raymond turned. "Go on with your meeting without me. I can do nothing till this boy dodges this fever." And Kelly went away, reluc tantly, to meet with the leaders of the neutral party, robbed of half his reso lution, for he, too, loved the sick lad. At 12 o'clock, when some of the men were passing, Raymond went out and called Baker and said In the tone of one who had at last decided on a plan of action, "I want you to carry a message to Boggy and see that it gets there." And Baker, having a long training as cowboy behind him, accepted his order like a soldier. The telegram was addressed to the sheriff and read: They're on to your box car game. Look out! A PEACE LOVER. At 1 o'clock Kelly returned with low ering brow. "I wish you'd been there, lad. They're afraid of Munro and vot ed me down. We are to do nothin'." Raymond, submerged in the rising flood of his anxiety, looked at his part ner dully. "Well, perhaps It's better so. Matt. I gave my word to Ann that I would care for this boy ns If he were my brother, and I'm going to do it, re gardless of every other consideration. If he grows woise I shall send for Aun, and then I will have double rea son to keep out of the movement." Tow an! daylight Raymond called Kelly. "Send a message to Ann. Louis is a mighty s'ck boy and needs her care." CHAPTER XXIII. T III! morning paper, which the maid brought to Ann while she still drowsed in her bed. con tained the news of Louis' ar rival at Raymond's cabin and his col lapse. "All the early part of the night," the reporter went on to say, "bands of clamorous men marched from mine to mine, calling upon the gangs to lay down their tools. Only two firms re mained unintimidated L'ceEe Bros. "Tlicn let us go!" she cried, rising. and Kelly' & Raymond." In the midst of all this turmoil," said the reporter, "Raymond, one of the nien most con cerned, was standing guard over a sick boy and would not leave his side for a moment." Ann glowed with a sense of deep obligation to that watcher. Mrs. Barnett knocked on her door and called, "Have you seen the papers, Ann. Marie?" "Yes." "What are you going to do?" "I am going up there." Mrs. Barnett entered. "How can you go, with that mob In possession? You must not go! It isn't safe for you, and I will not consent to have Don g again. Who , will Protect yon ? .nn flamed wltn wratn. ' 'Have you no law out here that will protect a girl who goes to nurse her sick brother? I have nothing to do with your idiotic wars. I am going up there as a citizen of New York, not as a partisan of your side iu this struggle. I shall not leave that boy there to suffer alone." "I can't find Don," said Mrs. Barnett. "He must have gone downtown. Some one has Just phoned a message from Rob. He says Louis has taken a chill ana tnat you are to come, ir you can, but not to worry. He is well cared for." "Can we reach him by telegraph?" asked Ann. "The operator says there is no direct connection with Skytown, but that the wire from Bozle to the south Is uncut. We can try." "Tell Don to wire Mr. Raymond that I am coming at once, and that I will bring Dr. Braide if possible," answered Ann, alert and self contained. She rang Dr. Braide's telephone a few moments later and called firmly, "Dr. Braide. I want you to go with me to Skytown" His cool, indifferent voice cut her short. "Who is It, please?" "It Is Ann Rupert" "Ah!"' His voice changed became swift, eager. "Certainly, certainly. Miss Rupert. I understand. I saw the note about your brother. It will be a privilege. I will run over at once and discuss the best plan for getting there." Ann was eating her breakfast when the lell rang, and the maid at her or der brought the doctor into the dining room. "I am askiug a great xteal of you. doctor. I will gladly recompense you for any loss of patients," said Aun. "Please dou"t trouble about my pa tients. It is a pleasure for me to serve you. I beg you not to bring it down to so mercenary a plane." "That's very kind of you, but I must insist on making it a matter of profes sional service," replied Ann. for he, too, was a suitor, and she liked him, but at this moment she wanted his skill his training as a physician, not his adora tion. This he had insight enough to perceive. "We can go by the Southern railway and drive from Sage Flat, or we can go over the stage road. In either case we must meet and pass Munro's guard. According to all accounts, he has a complete circle." "I am not afraid of Munro or his men, she answered, "in tact, tney will be our safeguard. I will telegraph to Mr. Munro that we are coming, and he will see that we are protected." "If you feci that way, then the sim plest and quickest route is over the old stage road. With a good span of horses and a light cart we can drive to Bozle by 4 o'clock r.nd reach Skytown I 'V 1 V 1 V . UUI I. "Then let us go." she cried, rising. "I will order a carriage at once and call for you hi half an hour." "I will be ready," he alertly replied. By means of the telephone Ann or dennl the liveryman to harness his best span of horses to a mountain buck board. "No, I do not need n driver," she sharply answered to his query. "Get them here quick!" Before she left the receiver Barnett came rushing into the room. "What's all this? Jeannctte tells me you're go ing back to Skytowi today." "In twenty minutes I shall be on the road." "Alone?" "No; Dr. Braide is going with me." "Impossible! You mustn't do it! Our attack is to be made tonight. The whole hill will be a battleground to morrow." "I can't help that, Don. I must go to my brother. He needs me nil the more. Think of that poor boy lying there burning with fever and a battle going on! Tut off your attack. It's all fool ish, wicked, anyhow. What good will it do? You will only kill men or get killed yourself." Dr. Braide was waiting as Ann drew up to his door. He carried a big bear skin robe over bis arm and held a medi cine c.n.se In his hand. "Have you plenty of wraps? It's cold up there, they say. Let me arrange this robe around your feet. Shall I drive?" "No, thank you. I will drive." The horses were marvels. They pushed up the steep, winding road with steady stride, their heads swinging. Not till they entered the canyon did they lag Into a walk. The clouds hung low. in great gray masses, cover ing even the secondary peaks. Patches of snow began to appear at the road side. It was a bleak. Inhospitable and silent world. "There Is something ominous In this stillness," Ann said at last. "Where do you suppose we will meet Munro's men?" "Anywhere after we leave the half way house, according to report." "You know this man Munro?" "I've met him." "Is he as terrible as people think him?" "He seemed very boyish to me and not at all terrible." "The morning papers stated that he had assumed absolute control up there, and that bis men were drilled in true military fashion." , "So much the better for us," answer ed Ann, "for he will see that we are protected." -" At about 11 o'clock they reached the wide mountain meadow out of which the Bear creek fell. The clouds hung just above their heads, a broad, seam lesa gray, roof. . At the halfway house tney rouna a stage load of people and several freight ers, and every man's mouth was agape, The tavern was a survival of the days when railroads were of the far away future a long, low log structure with a roof of dirt out of which dead weeds flaunted. The front room, which swarmed with men in rough clothing. seemed to be a country store and post office as well as an eating house. A small, active old woman met Ann with toothless grin. "Step right this way and get out o' the smudge." Ann followed her into a minute bed roam which opened off the dining room. The old woman began to clatter. "Put off your things here. My. but them's fine furs! Did ye drive up from the Springs? Are you going on to the camp?" "Yes." "Waal, you'll find it lively up there! As near as I can learn they mean biz!" she whispered. "Some o' Jack Mun ro's men are in there now entln. They keep a mighty sharp watch on who comes In these d.-tys. Soon's you're ready I'll put you and jour man down at my end of the table and I'll look after ye." Ann laid aside her furs, but retained her hat, and as she re-entered the room made a dazzling appeal to those rough fellows, who eyed her with sly side glances. Braide, already seated, rose to meet her. "We have reached an outpost of fhe guard and will be Interrogated be fore we leave, I fear." "I am quite ready to meet them," she replied, bending to her plate. "They can't refuse to let us pass." The talk at the table was not illu minating. Each man apparently strove to fill his paunch before his fellow. Only one of them seemed to study Ann and her companion with candid Inter est. This was a small man with a chin beard and an eye as keen as that of a blue jay. As the other men filled up and left '.he table be came down and carelessly took a seat near Braide. "I reckon I've seen you before," he began pleasantly. "I shouldn't wonder. I'm Dr. Braide of Valley Springs." "Where you aimiu' to go now, if it's a fair question?" "To Skytown." "Goin' to treat somebody?" asked the oKl woman, who was hovering near. A;ui interposed. "Yes, he is going up ..vat my brother Louis, who Is lying .1 at Mr. Raymond's cabin." TIu stranger glowed again. "Didn't scv nothin of the sheriff's army on the way. did ye?" Here he winked at Braide. The doctor smiled. "Not a thing. I don't think they've left the valley yet." "I'd advise 'em not to. I'm going over to the camp myself, and if you don't mind I'll jest uavherly jog along a rod or two ahead of you to show you the road." As he rose to go the stranger said: "If so be it you folks have any Jnllu euce with Rob Raymond, 'preach him into joining the movement. It'll be a mighty sight safer for him and a big help to the miners." After the miner left the room P.raide said: "We're in the enemy's country. He was plainly warniug us. and his going along is iu the nature of an arm ed guard." "His escort may be of use to us," re plied Auu. "Who was that man?" she asked of the old woman, who fairly whispered her answer. "lhats old Steve Adams. He's boss of this squad. All six o' them men are Munro's pickets." As Ann and the doctor drove on the clouds began to lift, rolling slowly, ponderously, reluctantly upward from the timbered slopes. Their guide rode rapidly, signaling the doctor now and then to keep pace with him, and after nearly an hour of fairly level ground the road entered another canyon and crawled upward along a prodigious wall, which beat back the clashing roar of a small but very swift stream of water. It must have been about 5 o'clock when they rounded the great base of the Black Cone at the head of the canyon and looked away across the big camp and far out upon the vallev to the west. Adams, helr guide, was a consider- uuie uisiance in. auvance wnen a couple of horsemen encountered them. After a moment's conference one turn ed back, and the other came on swiftly. Ann's heart glowed with the hope that it might be Raymond with a mes sage from the sick one, but it proved to be Munro. He came up swiftly and, setting his harse upon his haunches, leaped cavalierly to the ground. "Good evening, lady," he called as he approached the wagon. "Have you journeyed far?" "How Is Louis?" asked Ann quickly, with instant revolt of his assurance. He felt the impersonal rebuke of hep manner and replied simply: "He is bet ter this afternoon, so I hear. I have not had time to call. It is a pleasure to see you again." He fixed his eyes on her companion. "I don't think I know you,", he said, with a challenging In flection in his voice. "I am Dr. Braide of Valley Springs." Ann explained. "Dr. Braide comes to attend my brother." Munro's face lost its reckless smile, and he locked worn and pale. "Doc tor, I'm glad to meet you." "We must hurry on," Interrupted Ann, warmly Impatient of Munro's glances. .Srajde ..chirped to his horsea and Munro swung to his seat ana ronowed after. At the foot of the hill he called: "Keep tha t winding road. It will bring you to the top near Kelly's, I'll meet you there." The peak was more than quiet it was silent. It was as if a palsy had fallen upon every ablebodled workman, causing a swift devouring decay to set in. "What a changeT' exclaimed Braide. "I was here just before this trouble be gan and these hills teemed with men" "There Is one smoking chimney. It must be the Raymond & Kelly mine." Ann pointed awuy up the hill. "How do they. keep going?" "The strikers fear them, and, besides, Munro and Raymond are old acquaint ances. I think he protects them." Raymond was standing at the Kellys' door as they drove up, his face somber, his eyes clouded. He could not speak, so deeply was he moved, but with a nod at Braide and without a word threw back the robe and reached a hand to help her. "How is he?" she asked, with a catching of the breath. "He is very ill. but I think" HH voice failed him for a moment. "I'm glad to see you, doctor. He needs you." Everything whirled before Ann. "If he should die oh, If he should die! It's all my fault!" she wailed. "It's all my fault!" and her numb limbs refus ed to move. "Don't say that," he urged. "I've gone over It a thousand times. I don't see that any one is to blame. I know yoTi are not. Come, we must go to him." In that instant something seemed to pass between them some invisible. In tangible bond was established. Ann put out her hand, and he took It gently between his palms. "Be brave, dear girl," he said tenderly. She suddenly roused herself and hur ried toward the cabin. Mrs. Kelly came to meet her with arms opened wide, her sweet face pale with pity. "Oh, Ann. darlin', we're needln' ye!" Ann went to her for an Instant, then put her aside and knelt beside the bed. Her heart grew Icy cold with the hor ror and the pity of seeing that blithe. boyish face set and livid, the brows grave with the gravity of battle. His eyes were closed, and, at the moment, be appeared to be dying. 8he caught his lax band and kissed It passionate ly. "Louis, speak to me! Speak tc sister!" Her low erj pierced Raymond's heart, and while he stood helpless, sick with sympathetic pain, the doctor took Ann gently by the arm. "Please leave me alone with Louis for a few minutes. Trust him to ne." Raymond turned comforter. "The doctor is right. His case is not decided yet. You must remember how strong and well he has been. lie's not the pale slip he was when he came here. Please go over to the house and let Nora make some tea for you," be plead ed, and at last she yielded and, with a final look at the sick boy, went out with Mrs. Kelly. With that half nepers', it Ions confi dence which even the most Intelligent feel when the doctor Is present, Iiay inond soon followed. lie was tired tired! His long ride to the valley and "Louis, tpcak to met Speak to titter I" back, his lack of sleep, but especially his anxiety, had worn upon him so that now, when he could shift some part of his responsibility, his steel woven frame began to quiver and bis brain to thicken. He sank into a chair and lax ly looked at Ann. "It Is sweet to see you," he uttered slowly "doubly sweet because of Louis. We've done our best, Nora and I. I was in agouy for fear you would not come tonight. I didn't want to shirk reionsil!!ity or labor but I I want ed you. It's been a long day for me." Mrs. Kelly explained: "Rob is dyln for lack o' sleep. That's the truth, n wouldn't leave the boy. and after rid ing all the day and the night before. But come now, have some-tea both. My mind is easier since the doctor came. Sure I know he will check tba fever, never fear that." (Continued on Fag ffsn.). 1 li