The Columbia herald. [volume] (Columbia, Tenn.) 18??-1935, 1901-03-29

and that victory was still possible
lie went forth bindly into the city
seeking information OF an unknown
wounded man, but, Of course, no ex.
PLANTATION was forthcoming, for the
reason that no one knew Of such a
man. At dark he sought the police
man whose beat was nearest the
Brooltin residence.
Pistol shot? Oh, yes; he had heard
pistol shots every night since the war
fever came on; the town was full
of excitement. And the officer re-
membered also that recently car.
riage had been twice driven furiously
upon his street near daylight-the in.
cdent had impressed him because the
hour was that in which the city was
usually quietest. He had been I'M
der the impression that the carriage
belonged to Dr. Brodnar, and he had
satisfied himself with the reflection
that some sudden illness had made
the speed necessary. "Why," he
asked, sis there anything wrong
afoot?" Raymond assured him that
there was not and passed on, leaving
the officer convinced to the contrary.
Allthe facts Holbin had gathered now
confirmed Louise, but he had reached
the limit of his powers except in one
direction. NANNY" was the last wit.
ness, and he hesitated long because
of her relation to Frances. Finally. in
desperation he privately summoned
her to his room. The woman stood
looking curiously at him as he
charged back and forth across the
floor until he paused and confronted
her.
you are called nanny, l believe"
he said, sternly.
Yes, sah!' Nanny was startled
and amazed.
You are, Of course, aware that you
now belong to my mother, and that
have charge of all her property"
"Huccum, sab, | bong to yo' ma?
] done b'long ter ole miss, an she OF
me specially TO Miss trances!" Nam.
my adjusted her glasses and looked
at him anXiously.
That makes no difference. woman.
We recognize no will in this house
that conflicts with my mothers! I
want you to answer my questions now
and conceal nothing, or 1T will be an
unfortunate day for you, old as YOU
are! Where were you night before
last|" Nanny was astounded. No
one ever addressed her in such a man.
ner. She had long been a privileged
character. True. since the coming of
the second Mrs. Brookin she had lost
much of her prestige, but she still
held sway over the servants; and in
the wing she reigned supreme.
81 was out to see my daughter what
is hired to DR., Brodnar, an her hus-
band, he b'longs ter de doctor, sab,
an tends de horses"
when did you return?" Nanny
looked critically at her questioner and
waited. ANSWER mel"
ooh, l come erlong back mex day,
sab"
AT what time-at what time?"
Long bout daylight, l reckon,
sab"
where was your Miss Frances
when you cameo"
'Where was Miss Frances? Where
you reckon Miss Frances gointer be
bout daylight but in beds"
I'm bed, was she?"
yes, sab; an sleepin' like err fed
kitten. What for you askin' me bout
young miss?"
Answer my questions. Where did
your daughters husband spend the
night?"
HE spen' de night wild de doctor,
'course-comin' an goin' to sick folks
dRs like e always dol"
Did he have the carriage out?"
Course he had de kerridge out!
Icibin walked the Moor, more and
more disturbed He adopted a more
gentle method.
Nanny, how long have you been
with this family?"
"Ole marster-way back yonder-gi'
me to ole miss when she was born;
an ole miss gil me ter Miss Frances,
sab. Been hyah always"
Nothing on earth could tempt you
to say or do anything that would en-
danger your young mistress, of
course"
mo, sab. Ole miss say, day she die:
Nanny, take cyar my chile an ]
hole 'er han an promise"
10 you KNOW mat L am to marry
your Miss Frances?"
$50 God! Who tot you date"
at was IL her fathers will. But
you are not to speak of that-not a
word, even TO her. The time viii
come, nanny, when | shall re.y
upon you to help me take care of her
and make her happy. viii you help
me?"
Yes, sab. You can depen' on NAM
my night or day. But, marster, when
you goin' marry Miss Frances? She
ain nothin' but er chile now"
81 know that. and that is why l am
consulting with you. l am going to
tell you secret. win you keep it?
1t is to help her"
Yes, sab. l ain go.n' tell nobody.
sab"