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a moment Rogers knelt by his side. Indians came running to the rescue, and carried the injured officer home to the fort. Dr. Whitman was summoned, but in vain. Four agonized days the piteous appeal resounded,

"O Doctor, Doctor, give me something to kill me quick! "

Then Pambrun's strength failed. All was hushed save the labored breathing and the lapping waters on the northern wall.

"Cornelius." Cornelius Rogers bent to support the dying head. "Cornelius I give you my watch and my gun."

The sobs of Maria and her mother were all that broke the death-bed silence.

"Cornelius in secretary find will made in your favor Take care of my family."

With falling tears Cornelius Rogers smoothed the clammy brow. "Yes, yes, dearest friend. I will see to everything." A look of peace settled on the ashen face.

Pale as death Maria Pambrun sat on the bed with one of her father's hands pressed close in both of hers. The other hand Madame, her mother, pressed close to her heart. The chief factor fixed his glazing eye upon his child

"Maria darling marry Mr. Rogers."

The anguished girl dropped her head upon her bosom the chief factor interpreted it as a sign of assent.

"God bless "

"He is dead," said Dr. Whitman, bending low to tatch the last pulse.

Maria Pambrun slid from her perch on the bedside. With uplifted face and hands clenched in her wild dis