Ottumwa semi-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1899-1903, 1901-02-28
CHAPTER III.

q CHAPTER III, ''s-------,
Richmond at the time these events
were occurring was in tumult Of ex-
element. The quarrel between the
north and south in congress had long
since reached the acute stage, and
PreParations were forming for that
titanic struggle which was to shake
America for four long years. South
Caroline had led off, followed by Ala
hama, Mississippi, Florida, Georgia,
Louisiana and Texas. The capital of
the confederaey was in the far south.
and while no one expected that Rich
mond was to become the center of po-
1itical intrigue, il had been easily fore
seen that Virginia. being slave state,
would join her southern sisters, and
that u war followed she would furnish
the battle ground by reason of her geo.
graphical position. Few people be-
leved in serious conflict to come, but
there were some who foretold bloody
stfegNie. and these were among the
powerful, who gave time and direction
10 public sentiment.
Ehcre was much discussion in state
military circles, and confident pre-
htction that when the crisis came the
south must recall her sons from the
service of the union. and enlist them
Under the banners of the states rights
party, leaving many vacancies difficult
10 fill.
Upon his couch in the rooms of Rich
mond's popular physician Richard
Somers lay, convalescent. His wound
proved easy of management and healed
rapidly. But in the empty hours given
ohm for recovery he reviewed his late
experience, and with small comfort for
himself. Carried away by sentiment,
he had permitted himself to involve
seriously young girl intrusted to his
care. He had acted like sentimental
boy, he told himself rather than as
man coolly transacting piece of bust
ness to which friend had commis-s
stoned him. Evidently the whole mat
ter hinged upon the succession of prop
erty, and he was simply an instru-
ment. But he had suffered himself to
be swept along by sentiment, and had
declared his love for a girl altogether
unknown to him-indeed, unseen. In
conclusion, somebody had put s bullet
through his head, the only mistake
being in the matter of aim. Re had re-
ceived no explanation from Brodnar
other than that an error ha9 cost him
the wound. There was multitude of
apologies, the tenderest of care-and
silence. But one day he arose and
\ ir,co
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 match,
my dear fellow, and wig didn't care
whether your eyes were Closed or not"
he said.
But who was the aisailant-and
what was the object?"
"Under the window | found tracks.
the track of ! woman's number two
shoes, clear cut and sufficiently deep
to suggest that the wesrer was in all
probability settled woman. And yet
q heavy woman's foot would not have
been so trim. There you have it ALL"
ssWhy should she have been there,
and why should she have shot me?''
My dear fellow, nsk Inc who wrote
Shakespeare and the letters of Junius.
Frankly, know nothing ON earth about
this shooting beyond che 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 no
chance to unravel the mystery. Evil
IDENTITY 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 Tor the good of all. Only
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"
s'SEe is WE'LL said Brodnar, with
some constraint, "and understands"
Look here, Francis, the truth is"
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 lifelong affection that
night, and | ask you now if ! am to
leave here with no further informa-
ton
Yes said Brodnar, Otherwise you
you'd defeat tho object Of the whole