Courier Democrat. (Langdon, N.D.) 1891-1920, 1901-08-29
CHAPTER \.
The Stricken Deer.

AHS bSSis
Mrs. Martin scarcely knew whether
to be grateful or the reverse at the I'M
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 change? she asked
herself. How was his recollection in
regard to recent events? Was his
memory clear in regard to the hints
and suggestions she had of late been
making to him? And If so, what might
the result be? He would look upon her
IS little better than his brothers MUIR
derer, for, most surely, she had repeat
eddy urged him to commit that murder
by inf1aming his insane anger against
Philip.
Her heart turned cold as she asked
herself these questions. To betray her
true feelings to an unreasoning lunatic
was a very different affair to finding
her wicked heart laid bare to the un-
'derstanding of a sane man, and thai
man her own brother, and the only be.
ing for whom she had some lingering
cruel nature.
She qrailed 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
lbriefest words, she told him of all that
had occurred since that morning.
Pnhart ictr ho-
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 it was true and natural
grief that agitated him, and not, as she
almost wished, the frenzy of 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 I seem to have regained
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 you will never do, and /
know it. But how to explain the change
that has occurred in my condition, is
beyond my power, Kate. This much 1
know, and no more: I seem to have
awakened from a nightmare too horri-
BILE to look back upon. 1t must have
been insanity or delirium, and it must
have continued for years-for long, long
years--for I find myself an old man.
But the cause of it know not, and I
don't want to know. have half real
but terrible recollection of great hate
against Philip, but why do not know.
For long years back my memory 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 filled me with rage and an
ger; but why it should have done so
cannot tell.
Il remainder being so wildly excited
that I could not sleep, and that night l
took a large dose Of laudanum to end
my misery. think. But it did not kill
me. Perhaps my diseased brain re-
Quired it. Anyway, when I awoke l
felt a sense of quiet and peace, that was
as delightful as it was new and strange.
Every night since have been in the
habit of taking opium in some FORM
Perhaps it is the right medicine for my
malady. Certainly it has acted as such,
for what would have killed g Sale 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 1 thought was small dose
of the laudanum to quiet my nerves,
and then l lay down to rest for few
minutes. I must have taken larger
dose than I supposed. l went off into
a profound sleep, and knew no more
until I awoke. little While ago.
Mrs. Martin listened, with every ap-
pearance OF intense interest, and when
Robert concluded, her exclamation.
'Extra ordinary-lnost extraordinarily
was spoken with the utmost sincerity.
ut is. indeed, dear Kate. But, thank
God, it is also a happy and welcome
n1iracle-for such 1 almost think it.
And now l must try and make good use
of the reason which heaven has granted
me-" And, rising, he went toward the
door as he spoke.
where are you going, Roberto" Mrs.
Martin exclaimed.
II am going to Philips house. That
is the right place for me at present.
And all the energy l possess shall be
turned to one effort-that of discover.
ing the monster who has caused his
death. Say nothing to dissuade me.