Twice-a-week plain dealer. (Cresco, Howard County, Iowa) 1895-1913, 1901-04-23
Of the stair and wai,ec.

Somers returned and bent above the
figure of his enemy, his mind at work.
The reference by Louise to the dis
patches. the blue uniform, the horse
tied in the yard. the hour, and the
character OF the man aroused multi
tude Of suspicious. From the pocket
he drew sealed packet and folded
paper, the latter pass through the
lines. There was no time for an ex-
animation Of the package; the soldier,
leaning upon his gun. was waiting.
Promotion for Somers was in sight;
but he had entered the room with an
avowal that he could not disregard.
Sergeant" he said. take this to the
war department.; it will bring you pro-
motion. think. The honor is yours"
But, captain, 1t was you who really
did the work. Were You after him %
YES" said Somers, slowly, II was
looking for the man and had reason to
suppose that he was on these premises.
came in to find him. He evidently en-
tered this room in-desperationl Go
at once, sergeant, and send an am
bulance. What family lives hcre3" He
asked the question in support of his
character as stranger.
Capt. Helbin's, sir! He is up
stairs"
Full Of tho importance of his secret,
the soldier hurried away. somers
passed through the hall and out
through the other door into the gar
den, lifting his hand towards Frances.
Steps were approaching the stairway;
she passed quickly to the outside and
found him waiting.
They will And him in the uniform of
his country's enemy" he said, land the
papers from his pockets will prove him
spy. lam unknown. The soldier will
say that confederate officer pursued
the guilty man until he took refuge
here, and disappeared" The girl
stood mute and silent before him.
Farewell. Frances" he said.
Farewell, sir" He looked at her
moment in doubt, and in silence left
her. When he glanced back over his
shoulder he saw her white form still
motionless under the tree. A horse
near him whickered inquiringly; he
united him and rode out. As he APP
preached the gate a shrek reach ed him
from the wing-room, and turning he
spurred back again. Frances was re-
entering the room.
"Wait!" he cried in agony-"Wait!"
He threw himself from his horse and
was instantly at her side. Frances,
Frances, is 1t thus we part? Think
what 1t means! Will you not give me
one word?" She turned slowly and
YEARLY upon the step.
There is nothing to say but fare
Well If l were mother, and my son
came to me as an enemy Of Virginia,
should say the same to him."
You do not love me, then" he said,
bitterly; ''love forgets. forgives every
thing!" She lifted her face, white with
an unspeakable suffering.
Father in Heaven, Thou knowest
my heart! Thou knowest how 1 have
atoned to my own people for him;
how for him l have ministered to my
enemies-Thou knowest, Thou know
est! And now" she said. sobbngly.
my heart breaks--I am weak! VIII
you not go? 4 mother is in this
room with her dcad!"
'ro-morrow begins bloody strug-
gle; and l would wish to carry with
me into eternity, if perish, one kiss
from the woman l love-my wife!
Will you refuse me that?" She COW
cred her face with her hands; then
suddenly she threw her arms about
him, her lips to his. He held her a
moment, white and silent. Pushing
him from her, she turned to enter the
house, but sank upon her knees, lean
ing her head against the door. Bend
ing over. he laid his lips in one long
kiss upon her curls, and in silence
left her.