The Irish standard. [volume] (Minneapolis, Minn. ;) 1886-1920, 1901-08-24

! being in the matter of aim. He had re-
ceived no explanation from Brodnar
other than that an error had cost him
the wound. There was a multitude of
apologies, the tenderest of care-and
silence. But one day he arose and
dressed himself. aud, barring slight
dizziness of head, found the world
about as he had left it. And then Brod:
mar told him of such facts as he him
self had knowledge.
"You were shot from window by
some one who saw you strike a match,
my dear fellow, and who didn't care
| whether your eyes were closed or not, ~
he said.
| But who was the assailant-and
what was the object?"
"Under the window l found tracks,
the track of woman's number two
shoes, clear cut and sufficiently deep
to suggest that the wearer was in all
probability settled woman. And yet
\ heavy woman's foot would not have
been so trim. There you have it ALL
why should she have been there,
and why should she have shot me?"
my dear fellow, ask me who wrote
Shakespeare and the letters of Junius.
Frankly, know nothing on earth about
this shooting beyond the simple fact
| Perhaps the shot was not aimed at
you" Somers reflected for moment.
POSSIBLY you are correct in the sug.
gestion. But if you. with all the in.
formation you have and knowledge OF
| these people, are at sea, have nc
chance to unravel the mystery. Evil
IDENTIFY my best plan is my first plan-to
| leave at once. Some one lives who saw
me in that room. The sooner go now
the better for the good of ALL Only l
would have you tell me again-if may
venture that far-if my young friend
is well. and understands that my re.
covery is accomplished"
"SEe is WE'LL" said Brodnar. with
| some constraint land understands"
Look here. Francis, the truth u.s."
said Somers, rising, 81 am not fond of
mystery. ] proposed to keep my prom
| Use and shall. but, man. came near be-
| ing involved in Il lifelong affection that
| night. and | ask you now if am to
leave here with no further informa-
| ton"
"Yes." said Brodnar, otherwise you
would defeat the object of the whole
plan. Nothing could be more unfor.
tunate for the girl than that you should
see her again or knowledge of that
marriage get abroad"
$50 be it." said Somers, sadly. ~
keep my promise. Tonight we say
goodby." Brodnar sat. moodily silent
drumming upon his desk, his eyes upon
the floor. Suddenly he stood erect.
"Somers, I owe you something, owe
you more than ! may ever be able to
! repay; I shall tell you this much. and
| let you decide for the woman"
ga telegram, doctor, for Mr.. II. Som
ers-your care" \ boy had entered
hurriedIy and stood waiting. Somers
took the message from the doctors
hand, and the messenger vanishing
he read aloud:
Report in person Immediately to this Of.
flee. "STANTON,
| Secretary of War"
Brodnar looked steadily into the glad
bright face of his friend, who was upon
his feet in an instant and full of ex.
element
will you report there?"
| "Will |? 1t is the dream of my life
Observation-Disclosures were say.
ing"
"Nothing."
81 don't understand you, Frank"
mo member of the family, Dick, you
have entered, ever drew sword against
Virginia. You must choose between
the woman and"
MY country? Is that it? How
would you choose. Frank?' Brodna1
was silent, looking away. "Talle this
message to her for me, my friend; it i:
the last request, perhaps, shall ever
make to YOU"
"Dick-"
Say to her that Richard Somers
passes out of her life to serve his coun.
try. His duty done, please God, and
she needs his arm. he will follow hel
to the end of the earth. Say that for
me; and then, farewell"