Reporter and farmer. [volume] (Webster, Day County, Dakota [S.D.]) 188?-1946, 1901-08-29
X.
The Stricken Deer.

The Stricken Deer.
Mrs. Martin scarcely knew whether
10 be grateful or the reverse at the un-
guarded words which had fallen from
the lips OF her daughters. The surpris-
ing change in Robert had startled her
as much as it had amazed her.
How great was the charge? she asked
herself. How was his recollection in
regard to recent events? Wa his
memory clear In regard to the hints
n suggestions she had OF late been
making to him? And If so, what might
the result be? He would look upon her
as little better than his brothers muir
derer, for, most surely. she had repeat
eddy urged him to commit that murder
by ihfiaming his insane anger against
Philip.
Ter heart turned cold as she asked
herself these questions. To betray her
r feelings to an ~unreasoning lunatic
was a very different affair to finding
her wicked heart laid bare to the un-
Outstanding of a sane man. and than
man her W brother. and the only be
ing for whom she had some lingering
lSSpeCt anu W ielI III neT WoEluly,
cruel nature.
She qcailed beneath his steady, quiet
glance as she turned TO meet It, when
the door had closed after Bertha and
Lefty. But she saw nothing in his face
to indicate that he regarded her either
with horror or contempt, and, in the
briefest words, she told him OF all that
had occurred since that morning.
Tonhnrf 1ro xenn u,ae ll.f,oz.1a Ao-
yond expression at the story of his
brothers tragic death. He pressed his
hands to his temples and seemed hardly
able to endure the shocking tidings;
but Mrs. Martins keen eye perceived at
once that IL was a true and natural
grief that agitated him, and not, as she
almost wished, the frenzy of a return
Ing madness.
And now she fastened to add. tell
me why you were not at the church,
Robert. and also
She paused, uncertain how TO pro-
coed; but her brother completed the
sentence for her.
ALSO, how / seem 10 have regainea
my reason. which must have been
astray these many years" he continued,
in a sad tone. That is what you would
wish to say, Kate. but that you fear to
wound my feelings. Don't be alarmed,
dear; that o will never do. and /
know 1t. But how to explain the change
that has occurred in my condition, Is
beyond my power. Kate. This much /
know, and no more: 1 seem TO have
awakened from q nightmare too horri-
Bile 10 look back upon. 1t must a
been insanity or delirium, and 1t must
~ 80 - H. RAr xSan 80. Fn. lD1n fNnn.
years-for / find myself an old man.
But the cause of IL I know not, n 1
don't want Il know. i have a a real
but terrible recollection OF great hate
against Philip. but why / do not knnw.
For long years back my memoir seems
a blank. The first thing that comes
clearly to me is hearing. some time ago.
that Philip was about to be married.
That news filed me with rage and an
ger; but why 1t should have dom so l
cannot tell.
Il remember being so wildly excited
that ! could not sleep. and that night 1
took Q large dose Of laudanum to end
my misery. 1 think. But it did not kill
me. Perhaps my diseased brain re-
quirei il. Anyway. when / awoke, L
felt a sense OF quiet and peace. that was
as delightful as 1t was new and strange.
Every night since / have been in the
habit OF taking opium In some form.
Perhaps IL is the right medicine for my
malady. Certainly 1t has acted as such,
for what would have killed e sane or
well man has apparently quieted and
cured my poor, crazy brain.
This morning 1 had-or thought I
had-a recurrence of the old excitement.
/ took what / thought was a small dose
OF the laudanum TO quiet my nerves,
and then / lay dow TO rest for a few
minutes. / must have taken a larger
dose than / supposed. / went off into
a profound sleep, and knew no more
until / awoke, a little while ago."
Mrs. Martin listened. with every ap-
pearance or intense interest. and when
Robert concluded, her exclamation.
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS extraordinary"
was spoken with the utmost sincerity.
1T is. indeed. dear Kate. But, hank
God, it is also a happy and welcome
miracle-for such / almost think IL.
And now i must try n make good use
OF the reason which HEAVIER has granted
me-" And. rising, he Went toward the
door as he spoke.
"wheee are you going. Robert?s Mrs.
Martin exclaimed.
II am going to Philips house. That
is the right place for me at present.
And all the energy I possess shall be
turned TO one effort--that of discover.
ing the monster who has caused his
death Say nothing to dissuade me.