Ottumwa semi-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1899-1903, 1901-02-21

letes. But fine as was the framework of
the man and his physical development,
there was in the face, Swallowed at the
moment by broad, down-drooping
lashes and mustache, patrican ele-
gance, native refinement and innate
nobility that commanded undivided
attention. The slightly aquiline fea-
lures were softened by arched and
evenly matched broNs and an express
sion indescribahle by any other term
than that invented by Paris friend
the Somers smile" One never APP
preciated the value of that smile I'M
til in some moment of emotion the
face which wore it grew white and
straight, and the level gaze of the
man was encountered. Above white,
inclined forehead hair almost black
lay in waves, but; SO closely as to leave
visible the outlines of the splendid
head. Such was Richard Somers at
%, man raved over by women, err
We'd by men, known to but few.
1T is better this way" he was say
ing of himself; "a man owes. something
s.
ter of dress, even though he is not to
see or be seen. And he owes great
deal to himself. By the way, / as
suned that am not to be seen-how-
ever, is that one of the questions must
not ask?'
.sYour face is not to be seen, Dick,
except in the dark-dimly. But l am
n1a NJ half fhaf al tod
your dress suit; it does seem more in
taste. BY the speaking of Ray
mond Holbin-Dick, have you forgot
ten that he dated from this state in the
army? God knows where he was
born. see him occasionally in Rich
mond. and" Bsodnar paused and
looked curiously on his companion
''haye you ever been told that there is
something not unlike in your personal
appearance? Don't be offended. old
fellow, but, between you and me. there
isn't a more unprincipled rascal I'M
hung" Somer's face flushed once and
the smile left it. He replied with some
constraint:
81 did not know that he ever favored
Richmond with his presence. / did
know, however that he once lived in
this state. His was presidential APP
pointment. His mother years ego
welded considerable influence around
Washington, especially among sena-
tors. As to the likeness, it has been
commented on before, and once
fought boy at school for discovering
the fact. Does he make Richmond his
| home?"
"Of late, yes. But 1 see that you are
annoyed.a Ny dear fellow, very ugly
people may resemble very handsome
! ones Shall we start?"
II am ready"
"This bandage," said Brodnar,
"seems to imply doubt of you. Dick,
but believe me it has its proper use.
| In the future, if accident should con-
front you with the-woman, neither OF
| you will be embarrassed. She will, it
is true, know your name, but unless she
should look you up in days to come she
will never see your face. Is that COM
fortable?-yes? Well, moment and
we are gone. Your hand. my friend,
now, and your word of honor. You
will not look on this woman's face. nor
seek in any way to discover from her
from me. or from anyone aught that !
am seeking to conceal; under all cir
cumstances you will yourself conceal
| from everyone the facts of this nights
business; and you accept the woman
to whom we go as your wife with ali
the limita tons have outlined. / know
that in your own heart you are re-
solved, but the honor of a woman is al
stake, and you must promise me as
man to man."
AS man to man, then, and upon The
honor of Richard Somers, I promise
Lead on!" The chance passer-by who
saw blindfolded man led from the
elegant apartments of DR.. Franci.
Brodnar was not surprised The ex
planation was easy. But Somers him
self was distinctly surprised at the
length of the ride and the number O
corners turned. 1t seemed to him tha-
the carriage traversed more than ono,
the same road, for in spite of himsel
he could not but take notice of sucf
things. DIR. Brodnar deserted the drift
of his thoughts.
/ For man to note the direction o
journey" he said, sis natural, a,
almost automatic, action of the brain
cells-an inheritance from both ANNA
and human ancestry. Therefore. Dick
if l have sought to confuse you by m,
queer route. it is only through dis
trust of the original and savag
Somers, and to save all parties embar
rassment. I trust few people. Her
we are at last" Dismounting. he LEI
his companion on pavement, through
narrow gateway, the gate of whicl
he unlocked, along a gravel walk witt
shrubbery on both sides for about 6
PAGES. up two stone steps to door tina
had neither bell nor knocker, and int
woman's room.
How weak is human invention
Richard Somers gathered these fact
without mental effort from small
signs. The football upon the pave
ment, the search for the key, tn
4 clicking lock. the crowdinA the grave