The Columbia herald. [volume] (Columbia, Tenn.) 18??-1935, 1901-05-17

bdIG VI inc olItAlS VI lNlNlllllbilA tldt
night as in his own camp; but he re.
allied that perhaps he had a difficult
task before him to find Raymond Hol-
bin. And if he found him, what then?
The city was in a turmoil. Excited
men and women crowded the streets
and wounded soldiers were on every
side. There was to be little sleep that
night in Richmond or in the next five
to come, for the fate of the city hung
In the balance during the seven days
battle. Somers carried off his novel
experience boldly and, passing into
the Spotswood hotel, he sought direc-
tory. His search for HoIbn's rame
was at once successful, and, taking a
note of the address, he went forth and
prepared himself for the final trial.
His safety lay in the character of the
service he was rendering to the woman
to whom Holbin owed much. At least
he argued so. How little he knew the
depths of villainy he was about to
probe!
A policeman directed him to the ad.
dress secured and he found himself
before a spacious and pretentious man.
sion of the older style. There were
lights in front and he hesitated,
prompted by some intuition. If he
could get to the rear, he imagined
and question a servant, the risk would
be less. There seemed to be a garden
and wing, and upon a side street he
found an entrance through an iron
gate, which stood aiar. Entering and
passing a horse tied in the shrubbery,
he approached the wing-room without
connecting the place with any impress
sion of memory; but suddenly, as he
neared the closed door, the FLASHING of
fountain smote his ear, and the eXpe-
rience of a memorable night rose to
mind. The iron gate, the gravel walk,
the shrubbery and the wingroom! All
were there; and above all the low mu.
sic of the fountain. Then, swift as a
flash of lightning, rose his promise. He
was pledged not to enter. But as he
stood, his mind confused and without
power to measure the significance OF
the new facts, the door opened and a
young woman stepped out. The light
from the iron lamp swinging overhead
fell full upon her. He saw that her
face was womanly, sad, and beautiful,
face haliowed by the sufferings OF
others like unto those he had seen so
often in the convent and hospital. A
vague half memory of it arose in his
mind. He lifted his hat instinctively as
she paused in surprise.
81 fear you have made a mistake, "
she said, gently. Whom do you seek?'
At the sound of her voice he uttered
low cry; and then
"Frances!"
At the same instant she recognized
him and started forward; but, cheek.
ing the impulse, she drew back
stunned and distressed.
God has arranged it for u.s." he said
glad note in his voice. Il have found
you without seeking; | have looked
into your face without knowing-why
what is it?" The girl had drawn be
YOnd the reach of the arms stretched
out towards her and was sadly shak
ing her head.
what does it mean?" she said, in
fear, her voice trembling. "Why are
you here in that uniform?"
Upon mission requiring the ut
most secrecy Frances; discovery
would cost me my life! l shall ex
pain"
"A spy! You a spy! All, can believe
all the other things now-they told me
only the TRUTH" She began to wiring
her hands; but, suddenly drawing W
her slender figure, she said:
Capt. Somers, leave these premise!
at once-aHd Richmond, or yes. ever
will give you up TO the law" H,
saw her mistake but Me was as proud
You condemn me Without a hear
ing"
Your uniform, your presence in thi!
city condemn you!"
NO Somers was ever spy. | have
risked my life to help dying woman,
ae said, quietly. II came here to see
man nance Raymond Holbin."
Raymond! What of him?"
"You know him, then?"
"Yesl Yes! lie is herein thi
housel"
Take him my message, and we par
for all time, Frances; tell him tina
Louise is dying-teu him to come her,
to me-"
"Louise Oh, sir-wait! VIII yoI
not tell me who is Louise?"
"A lovable woman whose life ha
been a failure. 1t was she who fire.
the shot that night-not at me VIII
once loved her, but at Ho,bin. as sh
thought the man who had brought he
nothing but sorrow."
Amazed and dumb, Frances was re
garding him with questioning eyes.
And the ehid?" she began, weakly
"Ah, there is the most pitiable par
Of IT, Holbin has never married 1or
ise." The girl covered her face an il
slant.
Forgive me" she said. 81 wronge
you-my friend"
You do not say my husband. So Il
IL be-"
Il cannot" she answered, in greS
distress. when think Of my poo
BOYS dying and dead all around mel
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