The diamond drill. (Crystal Falls, Iron County, Mich.) 1887-1996, 1901-06-29

comforting you'll!
So far as the chance of detection
was concerned, Richard Somers was a.
safe on the streets of Richmond that
night as in his own camp; but he re-
allied that perhaps he had a difficult
task before him 10 find Raymond Hol-
bin. And II he found him. what then?
Tie city was in turmoil. Excited
men and women crowded the streets
and wounded soldiers were on every
side. There was 10 be little sleep that
night in Richmond or in The next five
10 come. for the fate OF the city hung
in the balance during the seven days
battle Somers carried or his novel
experience boldly, and. passing into
the Spotswood hotel, he sought a direc-
tory His search for Holbin's name
was at once successful, and, taking a
note OF the address. he went forth and
prepared himself for the final trial.
His safety lay in the character Of the
service he was rendering to the woman
to whom Holoin owed much Al least
be argued so. How little he knew the
depths Of villainy he was about 70
probe!
\ policeman directed him 70 the ad-
dress secured and he found himself
before q spacious and pretentious man
sion Of tire older style There were
lights in front and h. hesitated,
prompted by some intuition II he
could get 10 the rear, he imagined,
and question a servant, the risk would
be less. There seemed 70 be garden
and a wing. and upon a side street he
found an entrance through an iron
gate. which stood ajar Entering and
passing a horse tied IN the shrubbery,
he approached the wing.room without
correcting 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 a memorable night rose 20
mind. The iron gate. the gravel walk,
the shrubbery and the wing-rooml All
were there; and above all the low mu-
.ic OF the fountain. Then, swift as
fash Of lightning rose his promise He
was pledged not 20 enter. But as he
stood hs mind confused and without
power to measure the significance Of
the new facts. the door opened and
young woman stepped out. The Light
from the iron lamp swinging overhead
fen full upon her. lie saw that her
face was womanly, sad, and beautiful
a face haliowed ~ the sufferings Of
others like unto those be had seen So
often III the convent and hospital. A
vague half memory Of il arose IN his
mind lie lifted bis hat iDstinctiyely Us
she paused in surprise.
II fear YOU have made a mistake
She said. gently. "Whom do you seek2"
At the sound Of her voice he uttered
a 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 1t for us, Ne said,
GLAD note in bis voice, II have found
YOU without seeking; have looked
into your face without knowing why
what IS it2" The girl had drawn be-
yond the reach OF th arms stretched
out towards her and was sadly shnk-
ing her head.
What does il mean2" she said, in
fear her voice trembling why are
you here In that unform2"
Upon 4 mission requiring the ut-
most secrecy Frances; discovery
would cost me MY ifel shall ex.
plain
- spy You q spy! An, can believe
all the other things now they told NE
only the TRUTH" She began 70 wiring
her hands; but, suddenly drawing up
her slender figure, She aid
capt somers, leave These premises
at onceand Richmond or yes. even
Twill give Nou up 10 the law. lie
saw her mistake, but he was a. proud
You condemn mic without hear
ing
Your uniform. your presence n this
city condemn you
NO Somers was ever spy. ! have
risked my NE % help dying woman,
he said. quietly. J came here 70 see a
man named Raymond Holbn.N
Raymond What ~ hm2'
"You know him then2"
ayes! Yesl IL IS here ID this
house,"
"Take him my message and we part
for an time. Frances; tell him that
Louise Is dying tell him Is come here
to me
Louise! Oh. sir aitl Will you
not tell me who is Louise?'
~ loyable woman whose life has
been o failure II was she who fired
the shot that night not al me who
once loved her but az Hoibin, az She
thought, the man who had brought her
nothing but SORROW
Amazed and dumb, Frances was re-
qarding him with questioning eyes.
"And the child?" She began, weakly.
"Ah. there = the most plti5ble part
of e. Holbn has never married Lou-
ise." The girl covered her face an in
slant
Forgive me-" she said. ~ wroneed