The Hot Springs star. (Hot Spings [Hot Springs], Dakota [Dakota Territory, i.e. S.D.]) 1886-189?, 1890-04-04

hardly knew what facial expression
to assume. Idared not look angry or
annoyed, Leaf he might encircle my
throat with his maniacal clutches. /.
thought it wise to put on serene, good.
natured look, feeling sure the manly
arm of Norman Leonard would protect
me when I stepped from the car, for it
was his custom to meet me when de-
tanned till night, as there were but few
houses aud many vacant lots in the
vicinity of our home, which rendered
it extremely gloomy alter dark.
As we neared F. avenue
where I should leave the car, 1
arose and peered out into the darkness
to see the familiar form 1 expected. The
mysterious, unknown parsonage arose
also, and, preceding me, stepped from
hand to assist me. I darrell not do
otherwise than take his hand, which I
fancied felt clammy even through
gloves.
1 looked eagerly about, hoping I
might see some n to whom I could
appeal for protection. No one appeared,
nor was there a house within many
blocks to cast a friendly light.
He hogan speaking to me in very
broken English. Though unable to
understand scarcely anything he said,
1 tried to answer him, all the while se-
cretly praying I might reach home
safely. was frantic with fright, and
talked and walked faster and faster, he
having hard work to keep pace with
me. My belief in his insanity was
strengthened every minute, as he gave
me no SANE replies. If I asked him o
question in English, his answer was not
to the point; when I repeated it in Ger
man, discovering thist he his native
language, his answers were just as far
from the subject. Though he spoke
excellent German. his words had no
bearing upon the remarks I ventured.
To my intense joy, I Don perceiveda
form approaching. My eyes, with UNI
natural power, penetrated darkness
and distance and told me it was Nor
man. was to be spared! Oh, happy
moment! Nearer and nearer he ame
But oh, can you imagine my feelings as
I saw him pass by without any sign of
recognition. As he brushed by me, he
gave ME q glance-only a glancc-but
in it I read-jealousy. Jealous of q
mailman. Oh, horror!
Divining the cause of his actions, i
quickly called after him: norman!
oh Norman!' 1 screamed wildly, but
onward he moved rapidly distancing
me and my escort and leaving me to
the mercy OIL don't know who.
At this point the climax of my fear
was reached. The stranger stopped
still, and, assuming an attitude which
suggested the probability of his search
ing his pocket for o revolver, stood
earnestly staring at me, while he rum
mayed, first in one pocket, then an
other. Finally, oh horror! I saw him
draw from his pistol pocket something
-oh something's dared not see what,
but closed my eyes and screamed for
dear life.
This had the effect to bring Norman
quickly to the scene. I can just re-
member seeing his face as he reached
me--then everything was a blank,
Fol days 1 was unconscious; when ]
recovered the Sequel" tony experience
was told to me.
NY creams had also brought my
mother and others to the scene. They
found me lying in Norman's arms.
Near by stood the stranger in pitiable
silence. holding in his hand. instead Of
q revolver or dirk, q harmless little
speaking tube.
My mother looked at him sternly, re.
garding him as. q would-he murderer.
But as she looked further hel
fierce expression began to grow
milder, finally portraying supreme
joy. for she recognized her long-lost
son. The recognition was mutual, and
there. instead of tragedy occurred
a love scene. She joyfully vel
coined my brother, whom she had moi
seen for many years, supposing he had
died in Australia. /, being many years
his junior, could not remember him, and
he was afflicted with partial deafness
which caused his queer actions.
After making o large fortune in Aus.
tralia he had returned to Berlin, our old
home, only to learn that his mothe,
and sister were in America
Sailing Immediately for the latter
place, he had spent some months il
searching for us, when he met me by
chance on that memorable shopping
tour, and, on account of the marked re
semblance I bore to our mother, lie was
firmly convinced that I was his sister.
Everything was explained and we al
forgave him. When Norman and
were married brother Julius was @bes'
man." and, by way of atonement for the
fright he gave me and the jealousy
aroused in my lover, he divided equally
with us the immense wealth he had &C
cumulated in Australia.
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