Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1901-08-01

IltNeu III N SERIOUS con Ilitt W 'olilt, Dht
there we're some who foretold bloody
struggle, and these we're among the
powerful, who gave time and direction
TO public sentiment.
There was much discussion in state
military circles, and a confident pre-
diction 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
30 fll
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
TO him 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 a sentimental
boy, ne told himself, rather than as a
man coolly transacting piece Of bust
| ness 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-
ment. But he had suffered himself to
be swept along by sentiment, and had
declared his love for girl altogether
unknown to hm-indeed unseen. In
conclusion, somebody had put bullet
through his head, the only mistake
being in the matter OF aim. He had re-
ceived no explanation from Brodnar
other than that an error had cost him
the wound. There was a multitude OF
apologies, the tenderest Of care-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 it. And then Brod-
mar told him of such facts as 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 or not,
he said.
But who was theS assailant-and
wha. was the object?"
Under the window I found tracks
the track of woman's number two
shoes. clear cut and sufficiently deer
10 suggest that the wearer was in al
proba bility a settled woman. And yet
a heavy womans foot would not have
been so trim. There you have II all.
why should she have been there
and why should she have shot me?"
MY dear fellow, ask me who wrote
Shakespeare and the letters of Junius
Frankly, know nothing on earth sbou
this shooting beyond the simple fact
Perhaps the shot WAS not aimed a.
you" Somers reflected for moment
Possibly you are correct in the sug
gestion. But II you, with all the in
formation you have and knowledge O.
these people. are at sea, I have NJ
chance to unravel the mystery Evi
IDENTIFY my best plan is my first plan-ts
leave at once. Some one lives who saw
Sle in that room. The sooner l go nov
the better for the good Of all. Only
would have you tell me aEain-if I III ay
is well, and understands that my re
Covery is accomplished.
"Ske is we'll" said Brodnar, will
some constraint. and understands"
Look here. Francis. the truth is.
said Somers, rising, ~ am not fond o
mystery. proposed to keep my prom
Use and shall, but, man. came near be
ing involved in a lifelong affection tina
night. and I ask you now if am t.
leave here with no further informa
ton"
"Yes." said Brodnar, "otherwise 70,
would defeat the object Of the Who'll
plan. Nothing could be more unfor
tunate for the girl than that YOU shoul'
; zee her again or knowledge Of tina
marriage get abroad"
$50 be it," said Somers, sadly. Z"
keep my promise. Tonight we sa.
good by" Brodnar sat, moodily silent
drumming upon hi. desk his eyes upol
. the floor. Suddenly he stood erect.
"Somers. owe you something. ow
you more than I may ever be able I
repay; shall tell You this much, an
let you decide for the woman"
"a telegram, doctor, for Mr.. r. Som
. ers--your care" A boy had entere,
hurriedly and stood waiting. Somer
, took the message from the doctor
= hand. and. the messenger vanishing
. he read aloud:
| Report in person Immediately 70 this OF
hce. "STANTON,
Secretary Of War"
Brodnar looked steadily into the glad
. bright face Of his friend who was upo
: his feet in an instant and full of ea
, element
"Win you report there?"
"Will /? II is the dream OF my III,
Observation-Disclosures were say
ing"
, Nothing"
81 don't understand you, Frank"
mo member of the family, Dick, 20
have entered, ever drew sword agains
Virginia. You must choose betwee
the woman and"
+, MY country? Is that II? Ho
, would you choose, Frank?" Brodna
was silent, looking away. Take tn
message TO her for me. my friend; il
7 the last request, perhaps, l shall eve
make to you"
:, Dick"
4 Say to her that Richard Somel
:, passes out of her life TO serve his cour
try. His duty done, please God an
\ she needs his arm, he will follow he
;, TO the end of the earth Saw that fc