Twice-a-week plain dealer. (Cresco, Howard County, Iowa) 1895-1913, 1901-03-12
CHAPTER III.

CdAflEh LII.
Richmond at the time these eventD
were occurring was in a tumult Of ex-
oitement. 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
Carolina had led off. followed by Ala
bama, Mississippi, Florida, Georgia,
Louisiana and Texas. The capital Of
the confederacy was in the far south,
and while no one expected that Rich
mond was to become the center Of po-
litioal intrigue, 1t had been easily fore
seen that Virginia, being slave state,
would join her southern sisters, and
that If war followed she would furnish
the battle ground by reason Of her geo.
graphical position. Few people be-
lieved In serious conflict to come, but
there were some who foretold a bloody
struggle, and these were among the
powerful, who gave time and direction
to public sentiment.
There was much discussion in state
military circles. and confident pre-
dtctton 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
to ALI.
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
tohim 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
moss to which friend had commits
stoned him. Evidently the whole mat
ter hinged upon the succession Of prop
erty, and he was simply an instru-
mont. 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 bullet
through his head, the only mistake
being in the matter Of aim. He had re-
oeivsd no explanation from Brodnar
other than that an error had cost him
the wound. There was 4 multitude Of
apologies. the tsnderest Of oare-and
silence. But one day he arose and
dressed himself. and, barring a slight
dizziness Of head, found the world
about as he had left IL. And then Brod-
mar told him of such facts az he him
self had knowledge.
you were shot from a window by
some one who saw you strike . match,
my dear fellow, and who didn't care
whether your eyes were closed OF not, !"
he said.
but who was the assailant-and
what was the object?"
Under the window I found tracks.
the track OF woman's number TIVE
shoes, clear cut and sufficiently deep
to suggest that the wearer was in ali
probability settled woman. And yet
= heavy woman's foot would not have
been 80 trim. There you have It all"
why should she have been there,
and why should she have shot ms?"
my dear fellow, ask me who wrote
Shakespeare and the letters Of Junius.
Frankly. I know nothing on earth about
this shooting beyond the simple fact.
Perhaps the shot was not aimed at
you" Somsrs 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
IDENTIFY my best plan is my first plan-to
leave at once. Some one lives who saw
me in that room. The sooner 20 now
the better for The good Of all. Only I
would have you tell me again-if may
venture that far--if my young friend
Is we'll, and undssstands that my 70.
cevsry IL accomplished"
she is well." said Brodnar, with
some constraint, and undsrstands."
Look here. Francis, the truth is,"
said Somers. rising, Il am not fond Of
mystery. 1propossd to keep my prom
ise and shall. but, man, I came near be-
ing involved in lifelong Affection that
night. and ask you now il am to
leave here with ne further informa.
ton"
YES" said Brodnar, "otherwis. 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
eood-by." Brodnar sat, modify silent,
drumming upon his desk, his eyes upon
the floor. Suddenly he stood erect.
"Somers, owe you SOM thing, owe
you more than I may ever be able to
repay; 1 shall tell you this much, and
let you decide for the woman"
"A telegram. doctor. for Mr.. r. Som
ers-your care" A boy had entered
hurriedly 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
nee. STANTON.
Secretary OF War"
Brodnar looked steadily into the glad,
nrtrht face Of his friend, who RAJ upon