Iowa County democrat. [volume] (Mineral Point, Wis.) 1877-1938, 1899-03-02


lying on the carpet, that the drawers
and cabinet had been ransacked, and
that the window was not quite shut
down.
He took this In at a glance as he
ran to where Capel lay close to the
door, where he had dragged himself
some time during the early hours of
the morn, to lie exhausted after vainly
trying to raise the alarm.
Hes dead, sir, dead!" groaned the
butler.
''Hush!" cried the old lawyer, harsh
ly. He's not dead. Mr. Arts, you
are young and active. Quick. That
doctor, Mr.. Heston. You know where
he lives. You, Freeman, brandy.
Stop. Tell the ladies Mr.. Capel is
i'll. Nothing more. Don't spread the
alarm"
us anything very serious the mat
ter?" said voice at the door.
"Yes-no, my dear. Go away now.
cried the old lawyer, Mr. Capel Is ill.,"
There Is something terribly wrong
again." said deeper voice, and,
white as ashes and closely followed by
Katrine, Lydia came in.
She uttered faint cry, and then
wrested herself from Arts, who tried
to stop her.
mo" she CRIED imperiously,
changed as 1t were in an instant from
a shivering girl into thoughtful
woman Quick! go for help. Mr.,
Critic, what can l do?"
Eyes, let me help, too" said Katrine
What Is 1t? has he tried to kill
HIMSELF"
mo" cried Lydia, turning upon her
fercely He was too true man"
"Im afraid there has been an at
tempt made by burglars" said the
old lawyer, "and that our young
| friend has been trying to defend the
place; but-but he was locked in here
the key was In my table-and-and
I'm afraid I'm growing very old
| things seem so much confused now"
He put his hand to his head for a
few moments, and looked helplessly
from one to the otherr. Then his
customary sang-froid seemed to have
returned.
"This is not sight for you, ladies'
he said. pray go back"
II am not afraid, Mr.. Critic" said
Katrne. with slight shudder, as she
looked eagerly about the room.
For her answer, Lydia took water
from the washstand, and began to
battle the blood-smeared face, knee-
ing down by Capel's side.
Just then Freeman entered with
decanter and glass, the former clat-
tering against the latter as he poured
ont some of the contents.
Holding a little of the brandy to
Capel's clinched teeth, Mr.. Critic
managed to triclle through few
drops at a time, while Lydia con-
tinued the bathing, and Katrine stood,
like some beautiful statue, gazing
down at them with wrinkled brow
and clasped hands.
by this time the knowledge that
something was wrong had reached the
women-servants, and they had both
came to the door.
mo, no; keep them away, Preen-
ham" said Mr.. Critic, in answer to Of
fers of assistance. You go down, too
and be at the door, ready to let the
doctor in"
yes, sir, WILL" said the old but
Ter, piteously; but my young mas
ter-will he live?"
please God!" said the lawyer,
simply,
But he Is not dead, sir?"
''rhere Is your answer, man" said
Mr.. Critic, for just then Capel uttered
a low moan.
The old butler bent down on lne
knee, and Lydia darted at him a CRATE
full look as she saw him lift and press
one cold hand; and then, laying 1t
down, he rose and went out OF the
room on tptoe, raising his hands
and his face toward heaven.
WAS he stabbed-with that sword?"
said Lydia, in n hoarse whisper.
mo, | think not. The doctor must
soon be here" was the reply.
In fact, five minutes later there was
u VllCN hHuth ~ llS uOOI, anu III.
Heston hurried In, followed by Arts.
Give me ROOM" he said quickly.
! Ladies'. please 60"
Katrine turned slowly and glanced
at Lydia.
Il may stay, DR.. Heston,' she said.
Il may be of use"
mo words now" he said sharply.
by and by you will be invaluable.
| Well, there-stay."
He had thrown off his coat and roll
ed up his sleeves as he spoke, and as
Lydia bent down her head and stood
waiting Katrine left the room. Then
the deft-handed medico was busy with
his examination.
Head literally scored with bull.
| let" he said.
Not a cut?" whispered Mr.. Critic.
pointing to the sword.
BLESS me, no. Scored by bullet
An inch lower-halloo! what have we