Twice-a-week plain dealer. (Cresco, Howard County, Iowa) 1895-1913, 1901-04-19

" q
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
a fountain smote his ear, and the expe-
rience of memorable night rose to
mind. The iron gate, the gravel walk,
the shrubbery and the wing-room! All
were there; and above all the low mu-
sic of the fountain. Then. swift as q
fash 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 hallowed 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.
II fear you have made mistake"
she said, gently. Whom do you seek?"
At the sound of her voice he uttered
q low cry; and then
Frances"
At the same instant she recognized
him and started forward; but, check
ing the impulse, she drew back.
stunned and distressed.
God has arranged it for u.s." he said,
glad note in his voice. II have found
you without seeking; l have looked
into your face without knowing
what is it?" The girl had drawn be-
yond the reach of the arms stretched
out towardr her and was sadly shak-.
ing her head.
What does 1t mean?" she said, in
fear, her voice trembling. why are
you here in that unifcrm?"
Upon mission requiring the ut
most secrecy, Frances; discovery
would cost me my life! I shall ex-
plain"
IA spy! You spyl All. can believe
all the other things now-they told me
only the TRUTH" She began to wiring
her hands; but, suddenly drawing up
her slender figure, she said:
Capt. somers, leave these premises
at oncs-and Richmond, or yes, even
Twill give you up to the law" He
saw her mistake, but he was as proud.
You condemn me without a hear
ing"
Your uniform, your presence in this
city condemn you'll"
mo Somers was ever a spy. l have
risked my life to help dying woman"
he said, quietly. II came here to see a
man named Raymond Holbin."
Raymond! What of him2"
you know him, them"
"Yes! Yesl He is herein this
housed"
Take him my message, and we part
for all time, Frances; tell him that
Louise is dying-tell him to come here
to me"
Louise! Oh, sir-wait! Will you
not tell me who is Lonise?"
IA lovable woman whose life has
been failure. 1t was she who fired
the shot that night-not at me who
once loved her, but at Holbin, as she
nothing but sorrow"
Amazed and dumb, Frances was re-
garding him with questioning eyes.
And the child,?" she began, weakly.
"Ah, there is the most pitiable part
| of it. Holbin has never married Lou
ise." The girl covered her face an in
slant.
Forgive me-" she said. II wronged
you-my friend"
You do not say my husband. So let
it be-"
II cannot" she answered, in great
distress, when l think of my poor
boys dying and dead all around mel
some day when it is all over, perhaps;-
but not now, not now! But oh, SIR" she
exclaimed, looking in terror about her,
come inside, come in; the danger is
frightful."
Somers drew himself up and saluted.
KINDLY deliver my message. l shall
wait here"
"Iou must not-you shall not!
Quick, sir, into my ROOM
1T is the room of young girl" he
said; ''if am discovered there the life
that lose is nothing compared to her
loss!" A struggle was going on in her
heart. Her face was white, and wan
smile dwelt upon it.
at is your wife's ROOM" she said
land you will be safe there"
He took the hand, touched his lips to
it, and suffered her to lead him in.
Above their heads, woman, hearing
every word, leaned out moment. The
upward glare of the swinging lamp lit
up her face, savage in its vindictive joy.
AS Richard Somers entered, the room
the Woman overhead closed the blinds
gently. The floor she traversed gave
no warning to those below.
ITO be continuedl
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