The diamond drill., 1901-05-18
CHAPTER III.

Richmond at the time these events
were occurring was in a tumult OF ex-
citement. The quarrel between the
north and south in congress had long
since reached the acute stage, and
preparations were forming for that
titanic struggle which was to shake
America for four long years. South
Carolina had led off, followed by Ala
bama. Mississippi, Florida, Georgia,
Louisiana and Texas. The capital OF
the confederacy was in the far south
and while no one expected that Rich
mond waA to become the center Of po-
htical intrigue. il had been easily fore
seen that Virginia. being a slave state,
would join her southern sisters, and
that il war followed she would furnish
the battle ground by reason of her geo.
graphical position. Few people be-
lieved in a serious conflict TO come but
there were some who foretold Bloody
struggle, and these were among the
powerful, who gave time and direction
TO public sentiment.
There was much discussion in state
military circles, and 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
10 fill.
Upon his couch in the rooms Of Rich
mond's popular physician Richard
Somers lay, convalescent. His wound
proved easy Of mana cement and healed
rapidly. But in the empty hours given
tohim for recovery he reviewed his late
experience, and with small comfort for
himself Carried away by sentiment,
he had permitted himself 10 involve
seriously young girl intrusted TO his
care. He had acted ike sentimental
boy. he told himself. rather than as q
man coolly transacting a piece Of busi-
ness TO which a 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 a girl altogether
unknown to him indeed, unseen In
conclusion, somebody had put a 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--a and
silence But one day he arose and
dressed himself. and, barring a slight
dizziness 81 head, found the world
about as he had left il. And then Brod-
mar told him Of such facts as he him
self had knowledge.
'You we're shot from 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 the assailant-and
what was he object?"
Under the window found tracks.
the track Of woman's number two
shoes clear cut and sufficiently deep
TO suggest that the wearer was in all
probability settled woman. And yet
a heavy womans foot would not have
been so trim There you have il all, =
why should she have been there
and WY should She have shot me2"
MY dear fellow ask me who wrote
Shakespeare and the letters OF Junius
Frankly. j know nothing on earth about
this shooting beyond the simple fact,
Perhaps he shot was not aimed at
you. SoRers reflected for moment.
Possibly You are correct in the sug
fftf ~ M a. I. In
formation you have and knowledge of
these people, are az sea, ! have no
chance 30 unrayel the mystery. Eyi-
IDENTIFY my best plan IS my first plan-to
leave az once Some one lives who saw
me ia that room The sooner 20 now
the better for the good Of ALL Only
would have you tell me again-if may
venture that far-if my young friend
is well. and understands that my re
cSvery is accomplished"
"SEe is well" said Brodnar, with
some constraint. "and understands.
Look here. Francis. the truth IS"
said Somers, rising, II am not fond Of
mystery. proposed TO keep my prom
ise and shall, but, man. came near be-
ing involved in lifelong affection that
night, and / ask you now II am 90
leave here with no further informa.
ton"
Yes" said Brodnar. "otherwise you
would defeat the object Of the whole
plan. Nothing could be more unfor.
tunate for the girl than that you should
see her again or knowledge OF that
marriage get abroad"
so be It," said Somers. sadly "I
keep my promise. Tonight we say
good-by." Brodnar sat. moodily silent,
drumming upon his desk, his eyes upon
the floor. Suddenly he stood erect.
"somers, / owe you something, owe
you more than may ever be able 20
repay; ! shall tell you this much. and
let you decide for the woman"
"a telegram, doctor, for Mr. II. Som
ers-your care" A boy had entered
hurriedly and stood waiting. somers
took the message from the doctors
hand. and. the messenger vanishing.
ha rs,I ,I,VIs