The Beaver herald. [volume] (Beaver, O.T. [Okla.]) 1895-1923, 1901-09-05

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 q multitude OF
apologies. the tendcrest OF care-snd
silence. hut one day he arose and
dressed himself, and, barring q slight
dizziness OF head. found the world
about as he had left II. And then Brod-
mar told him OF such facts as he him.
self had knowledge.
"You were shot from q window by
some one who saw you strike match.
my dear fellow, and who didn't care
whether ! our eyes were closed or not"
he said.
But who was the assailant--ond
what was the object?"
"Under the window I found tracks.
the track Of a woman's number two
shoes. clear cut and sufficiently deep
| to suggest that the wearcr was In all
probability q settled woman. And yet
a heavy woman's foot would not have
been 70 trim. There you have IL ALL"
"why should she have been there.
and why should she have shot meY'
my dear fellow. ask me who wrote
Shakespeare and the letters OF Junius
Frankly, I know nothing on earth about
this shooting beyond the simple fact.
Perhaps the shot was not aimed at
YOU" Soners reflected for moment.
Possibly you are correct In the sug.
gestion. But II you, with all the in
formation you have and knowledge OF
these people, arc at sea, have no
chance to unravel the mystery. Evil
IDENTIFY my best plan is my first plan-to
leave Mt once. Some one lives who saw
me In that room. The sooner go 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-
covery Is accomplished"
"SLe Is WE'LL" said Brodnar. with
some constraint "and understands"
"Look here. Francis, the truth is"
said Somers. rising, ~ 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 I ask you now II am 10
leave here with no further informa'
ton"
EYES," 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"
$50 be It," said Somers, sadly. "l
keep my promise. Tonight we say
good-by." Brodnar sat. moodlly silent
drumming upon his desk, his eyes upor
the floor. Suddenly he stood erect.
"Somcrs, l owe you something. owe
you more than I may ever be able t'
, repay; I shall tell you this much, ant
let you decide for the woman"
"a telegram, doctor. for Mr.. r. Som.
ers-your care" A boy had entered
hurriedly and stood waiting. Somcr'
took the message from the doctor
hand, and, the messenger vanishing
he read aloud:
. Report In person Immediately to this OF
, fee. 'STANTON.
Secretary of War"
Brodnar looked steadily into the glad
bright face of his friend. who was upol
/, his feet In an instant and full of eN
!, | citement.
"will you report there?"
"Will I? II Is the dream Of my III,
Brodnar!-but--but-you were say
ing"
: "Nothing."
!, ~ don't understand you, Frank"
"No member Of the family, Dick, yo
have entered, ever drew sword agains
Virginia. You must choose betwec
the woman and"
"My country? Is that Il? Ho'
!, would you choose, Frank?" Brodna
was silent. looking away. Take thl
message TO her for me. my friend; II
the last request, perhaps, shall eve
d, make to you"
"Dick--"
"Say to her that Richard Somer
= passes out Of her life to serve his cour
= try. His duty done, please God, an
she needs his arm, he will follow he
4 10 the end OF the earth. Say that 70
:, me; aud then, farewell"