Iowa County democrat. [volume] (Mineral Point, Wis.) 1877-1938, 1885-03-27
CHAPTER IN.
A pT ACE HE


elias motherly hands, L fetched the
best doctor l could think of, and efforts
were at once made to restore conscious
ness. 1t was long before any sign of
returning animation showed itself, but,
at last, she awoke. Need | say what a
supreme moment that was to me?
need not give details of that return
to life. After all, it was but half re-
turn, and brought fresh terrers in its
train. When morning dawned it found
Pauline raving with what prayed was
but the delirium of fever.
The doctor told me her state was a
most critical one. There was hope for
her life, but no certainty of saving it. 1t
was during these days of anxiety that /
learned how much l loved my unhappy
girl. How grateful l should be if she
were given back to me, even as had
always known her.
Her wild fevercd words cut me TO the
heart. Sometimes in English, some
times in soft Italian, she called on some
one; spoke words of deep love and sor-
row; gave vent to expressions of fond
endearment. These were succeeded by
cries of grief, and it seemed as if shud-
ders OF fear passed over her.
For me there was no word; no look
of recognition. /, who would have
given worlds to hear my name spoken
once, during her delirium, with an ex-
preston of love, was but a stranger at
her bedside.
Whom was it she called for and Ia
mented? Who was the man she and |
had seen slain? l soon learned-and if
my informant spoke the truth, he had,
in SO doing, dealt me q blow from
which could never rally.
1t was Macari who struck it. He
called on me the day after Pauline and
/ had visited the house. | would not
see him then. My plans were not
formed. For the time / could think
of nothing save my wife's danger. But
two days afterward, when he again
called, gave orders for him to be ad-
mitted.
1 shuddered as l took the hand l
dared not yet refuse although in my
own mind | was certain that a muir
derer's fingers were clasped round my
own. Perhaps the very fingers which
had once closed on my throat. Yet,
with all knew, doubted whether |
could bring him to justice.
Unless Pauline recovered, the evil
dence l could bring would be of no
weight. Even the victims name was
unknown to me. Before the accusation
would lie his remains must be found
and identified. 1t was hopeless to think
of furnishing the murderer, now that
more than three years had elapsed since
the crime.
Besides-was he Pauline's brother?
Brother or not, / would unmask him.
/ would show him that the crime was
no longer secret; that an outsider
knew everything in detail. would tell
him this in the hope that his future
would be haunted with the dread of
just vengeance overtaking him.
/ knew the name of the street to
which Pauline had led me. / had no
ticed it as we drove from it few nights
ago, and the reason of my drunken
guides mistake was apparent. 1t was
Horace street. My conductor had jum-
bled up Walpole and Horace in his
drink muddled brain.
On what a slight thread the whole
course of life hangs,
and delirium. He was as tenderly So
licitous in his inquiries as brother
should be. Ny replies were cold and
brief. Brother or not, he was answera-
BILE for everything.
Presently he changed the subject. Il
scarcely like to trouble you at such
time, but should be glad to know if
you are willing to join me, as / sug-
gested, in q memorial to Victor En-
manuel"
II am not. There are several things
I must hare explained first"
He bowed politely; but saw his lips
close tightly for moment.
II am quite at your service. :" he said.
Very well. Before all must be sat-
isfed that you are my wife's brother"
he raised his thick dark eyebrows
and tried to smile.
That Is easily done Had poor Gen.
eri been with us he would have |
y0uched for il
But he told me very differently
III. he had his reasonA No matter. |
80 hiring plenty Of other persons"
s1Asn, again" / said. looking him |
lhn b TIE face and speaking very slow