Waterbury Democrat., 1901-03-19


 ceived no explanation from Brodnar other than that an error had cost him the wound. There was multitude of apologies, the tenderest of care-and silence. But one day he arose and dressed himself, and, barring slight dizziness of head, found the world about as he had left it. And then Brod- mar told him of such facts as he him, self had knowledge.
 You were 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 the object?"
 "Under the window I found tracks. the track of a womans number two shoes, clear cut and sufficiently deep to suggest that the wearer was in all probability settled woman. And yet . heavy woman's foot would not have been so trim. There you have it all," ''Why should she have been there, and why should she have shot me?'
 My dear fellow. ask me who wrote Shakespeare and the letters of Junius. Frankly, know nothing on earth about this shooting beyond the simple fact. Perhaps the shot was not aimed at you" Somers reflected for moment. r"Possibly you are correct in the sug- gestion. But if you. with all the in- 1 formation you have and knowledge of | these people, are at sea, I have no | chance to unravel the mystery. Evi- dently my best plan is my first plan-to 1 leave at 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 I may venture that far-if my young~friend i is well, and understands that my re. covery is accomplished.' "SLc is vell,'' said Brodnar, with 1 some corstraint. "and understands'' 1 Look here Francis, the truth is,' l said Somers, rising, II ann not fond oi mystery. l proposed to keep my prom l ise and shall. but, man, l came near be. ing involved in lifelong affection that 1 night, and I ask you now if I am tc leave here with no further informa. l tion-''
 "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. t'l keep my promise. Tonight we say 1 good-by" BroGnar sat, moodily silent 1 drumming upon his desk, his eyes upor the floor. Suddenly he stood erect.
 ''Somers, l owe you something, owe you more than l may ever be able tc repay; I shall tell you this much, ane let you decide for the woman"
 "A telegram, doctor. for Mir. K. Som- ers-your care" A boy had entered hurriedly and stood waiting. Somer: took tke message from the doctors hand, and, the messenger vanishing he read aloud:
 Report in person imme diately to this of flee. STANTON, "Secretary of War"
 Brodnar looked steadily into the glad bright face of his friend, who was upor 1 his feet in an instant and full of ex 1 citement.
 Will you report there?" 'Will l? It is the dream of my life 1 Brodnar.-but-but- were say | ing--''
 Nothing"
 q don't understand you, Frank" "No member of the family, Dick, yo' 1 have entered, ever drew sword agains Virginia. You must choose betweel the woman and"
 My country? Is that it? Ho, would you choose, Frank?" Brodna
 was silent, looking away. "Take thi
 message to her for me. my friend; it i the last request, perhaps, sh|ll eye make to you-"
 'Dick--"
 <Sav to her that Richard Somer
 passes out of her life to serve his coun
 try. His duty done, please God, ant
 she needs his arm, he will follow he
 10 the end of the earth. Say that fo
 me; and then, farewelL'