uncomfortable bandages of another, crushed and maimed. In the operating
room she administered anesthetics or assisted with sponge and basin, and
at clinics she listened intently to all the specialists, while in other
channels she learned the necessary business methods needed for
successfully carrying on the expensive undertaking which she proposed to
inaugurate for the good of her own people.

The last half of the second year of hospital life had commenced. It was
summer, and Jack, with Hazel, was returning from his annual trip to the
Blazing-Eye-by-the-Big-Water mine.

Chiquita had enjoyed an afternoon with them, driving about the city, and
observed that Jack was not as bright and cheerful as usual.

"No," said he, "I don't feel at all well. I think I over-exerted myself
at the mine."

Hazel and Chiquita insisted upon his consulting a physician, but Jack
contended that it was "nothing; I will be all right in the morning."

His malady, however, grew more pronounced, the third day finding him
with a high fever and in great bodily pain. A surgeon was called, who
discovered that an immediate operation was imperative.

Jack protested, but finally yielded to the pleadings of his wife, and
arrangements were made to take the then almost helpless patient to the
hospital.

The carriage was driven to where Chiquita in great anxiety awaited their
coming. The surgeon had preceded them, informing the matron that it was
a case of blood poisoning, and arranged for the admission of his
patient.

At 9 o'clock that evening the affected part was lanced, giving temporary
relief, but this disclosed a dangerous complication which would require
a tedious operation and a prolonged stay in the hospital.

The next morning, as Chiquita prepared Jack for the operating table,
they joked about the medicine tepee and dwelt long upon the singular
coincidence that should bring them together under such circumstances.
Chiquita administered the anesthetics. While Jack was losing
consciousness, struggling vainly to gasp a breath of fresh air, she
recalled the vivid description of hospital life which he had so long ago
on Rock Creek depicted to her. As the surgeon skillfully wielded his
various instruments, and with the electric wire burned the sensitive
flesh along the track of the affected part, Chiquita for the first time
felt a sinking, gaping, craving of her heart.

She realized in that one moment what it meant. She felt that if Jack
shoul