The Iola register., 1901-04-12

ut is better this way" he was say
ing Of himself; "a man owes something
to his family and his bride in the mat
ter Of dress, even though he is not to
see or be seen. And he owes great
deal to himself. BY the way, l as
sumed that ! am not to be seen-how-
ever, is that one of the questions must
not ask?"
"Your face is not to be seen, Dick,
except in the dark-dimly. But I am
glad, nevertheless, that you selected
your dress suit; it does seem more in
taste. BY the way-speaking of Ray
mond Holbin-Dick, have you forgot
ten that he dated from this state in the
army2 God knows where he was
born. l see him occasionally in Rich
mond, and" - Brodnar paused and |
looked curiously on his companion
"have 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 un-
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. l did
know, however, that he once lived in
this state. His was a presidential APP
pointment. His mother years ago
welded considerable influence around
Washington, especially among sena-
tors. AS to the likeness, it has been
| commented on before, and l once
fought boy at school for discovering
the fact. Does he make Richmond his
homer"
"Of late, yes. But see that you are
people may resemble very handsome
ones. Shall we start?"
81 am ready"
"This bandage," said Brodnar,
Seems to imply a doubt Of you, Dick
but believe me il has its proper use
In the future, II 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
Portable ?-yes? Well, a 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 all
the limitations have outlined. know
that In your own heart you are re.
solved, but the honor of a woman is at
stake, and you must promise me as
man to man"
"As man to man, then, and upon the
honor of Richard Somers, promise
Lead on!" The chance passer-by who
saw a blindfolded man led from the
elegant apartments of DR.. Francis
Brodnar was not surprised. The ex
planation was easy. But Somers him
self was distinctly surprised at tn,
, length of the ride and the number o.
corners turned. 1t seemed to him thai
the carriage traversed more than one,
the same road, for in spite of himself
he could not but take notice of suci
things. DR.. Brodnar deserted the drift
Of his thoughts.
For a man to note the direction o
, a Journey" he said. sis a natural, al
Z almost automatic, action of the brain
= cells-an inheritance from both anima
and human ancestry. Therefore. Dick
if have sought to confuse you by m,
3 queer route. it is only through dis
I trust of the original and savag
, Somers, and to save all parties embar
9 rassment. l trust few people. Her,
we are at last" Dismounting. he let
his companion on pavement through
q a narrow gateway, the gate of whicl
!, he unlocked, along a gravel walk witt
shrubbery on both sides for about g.
: PAGES, up two stone steps to door tha
had neither bell nor knocker, and int
woman's room.
n How weak is human invention
e Richard Somers gathered these fact
e without mental effort from small
e signs. The football upon the pave
i ment, the search for the key, tn
d clicking lock, the crowding, the grave
- under foot, the touch of shrubbery
d two steps at the door, and the inde
k Enable air of every ladys room-th
!. faint, blended odor of powders, toile
waters and pressed flowers. That /
5. was the room of refined woman h
l. was sure in advance. Had he no
been, there was the deep carpet int
which his feet sank noiselessly.
And it was plain that he had com
into a garden from side street, sine
no residence would have opened froI
e a woman's room into a walk that lie
< directly to a main street.
IS Here, then, was a woman who live
e. upon a first floor with private gan
6 den at her disposal. He had hear
n the gentle FLASHING of water outside
II there was a fountain in this garder
q On the morrow he had but to wal
: the city until he found the premises
IT if he would. So much for the secrec
e of his friend Brodnar!
/ l.. I'll.