"I got as far as this by freight train, my money having given out at St. Louis. The headway was slow and yet I could not stop to earn the money to travel any other way. I have had very little food, how little I had I never stopped to consider. My one desire has been to get home."
THE SICK MAN DICTATES A LETTER
"You see," the man continued in an eager way, "it seems that all the desire to see mother that I should have had all these years is crowded into the present. I had figured on cutting through to the river and stowing myself in one of the boats which would bring me nearer home; but the heat and the lack of food were too much for me, and here I am."
The man paused once more. Mary Lee wondered if she were not staying too long; if the man were not going past his strength. Yet he seemed anxious to complete what he had to say.
"I have prayed that my mother live till I reach home. I want her to know that I am delayed. Will you please write my cousin? Tell him that I am very near and that I shall soon be well enough, but that he must not tell mother about my illness, just that I am surely coming. He must also let me know at once how she is.
"You see, young lady, I cannot write myself just now, as the doctors think I am still too weak. I wanted this letter written four days ago. I am sure you will write understandingly. Will you do it for me?"
"I shall be very glad to," answered Mary Lee. "I am going to ask your cousin to telegraph regarding your mother's condition."