he world. The odor of chemicals and disinfectants is noticeable at
first, but one soon gets accustomed to it and likes it. At any rate
I do. But, see, we're falling behind. Mr. Sharp evidently knows his
way well and we must hurry if we'd keep him in sight."

Indeed, the reporter was just disappearing around a turn of the broad
staircase leading up into a sun-lighted corridor. He was quick and
decided in all his movements, and had paused but for one instant to
speak with an attendant at the door before he took his direct way to
Ephraim's room.

"Why, I supposed he was in the general ward" said Mr. Hale, as he
joined Ninian, who had to stop and wait for his more leisurely advance.

"He was, but he couldn't stand it. So I had him put into a private room
and he's much better satisfied. He has money enough to pay for it and if
he hadn't--well, it was just pitiful to see the old man's own distress
at sight of the distress of others all about him. I'd have had to do it,
even if it had taken my bottom dollar."

"True to your class! I've always heard that newspaper men were the most
generous in the world, and now I believe it. Well, count me in, on this
transaction. But when were you here?"

"Last night and--early this morning."

"Whew! If you put such energy as that into the rest of the business
you'll make a speedy finish of it!"

"That's my intention. Well, child, here we are. Put your best foot
forward and cheer up that forlorn old chap."

Jessica had paused to look down a great ward, opening upon that corridor,
and was staring, spellbound, at the rows upon rows of white beds, each
with its occupant, and at the white-capped nurses bending over this
or that sufferer. The wide, uncurtained windows, all open to the soft
morning air, the snowy walls, the cleanliness and repose impressed her.

"Why--it's nice! I thought it would be dreadful; and where is Ephraim?
Can I go in? How shall I find him among so many?"

"Don't you understand? This way, I said, Lady Jess. The sharpshooter
wants to see his captain."

She turned swiftly at that, and the smile he had hoped to rouse was on
her face as she caught the reporter's hand.

"Why--how did you know _that?_ Who told you I was Lady Jess, or
captain?"

"Who but 'Forty-niner' himself? Here he is," and he gently forced her
through an open doorway into a little room, which seemed a miniature of
the great ward beyond. There was the same white spotlessness, another
kind-faced