THE STEAM-SHOVEL MAN
Naughton exclaimed reprovingly:
"None of that. We folks on the Isthmus are one big family. You have made good. Don't worry about your meal-ticket after you leave the hospital. You may need some spare change for clothes and so on. I'll leave a few dollars with the nurse."
"But I don't deserve all this kindness."
"Nonsense. What else?"
"I think I had better send a letter home to-day. I feel more like it now. May I dictate it to you, Mr. Naughton?"
"Sure thing. But don't let the folks infer you are down and out. Tell 'em about the scenery."
"If the scenery would only stay put, I shouldn't be in the hospital," was the patient's comment.
Naughton chewed his pencil until Walter began:
My Dearest Family:
I have had a slight accident, so I cannot very well use my right hand. I have the very best of care, and everybody is just bully to me.
He stared at the ceiling and confided to Naughton:
82
