Manchester Democrat. [volume] (Manchester, Iowa) 1875-1930, 1902-03-12

You know me?" she said. But we
have not met? Then you-you know
my husband? Oh, take me to him. He
is here, isn't he? We have been at
Krugersdorp and he is not among the
poor killed ones. He must be n pris-
oner. Take me at once to him. please"
In his bewildcrment Wyvil was al
ready approaching the corner, where
the deNterous detective had already re-
bandaged the wound. His sight. accus-
toned to the darkness of the prison,
made clear to him what the wife could
not see-Lawrence, his face all swath-
ell in cloths. sitting up. staring with II
look of CHASTITY horror in his eyes. Wy
vii stopped. He and Lady More and
the boy We're within yard or two of
the detective and his prey.
''There is some mistake" said Wyyil
to the wife, but with his look question
ingly on Lawrence. I.awrence's face
said clearly:
DO not betray me!'
II knew you from your photograph,
my lady," Wyvil stammered.
The detective drew back to the wall.
"My photograph! In Africa? Then
only Sir Robert could have that. He
must have shown it to you. Oh. do
please take me to him!
Wyvil was wet with perspiration. He
looked imploringly at the eyes between
,he bloody cloths. And again these an
swered:
NO; do not betray mew
Lady More mistook Wyvils hesita-
| ton.
Il understand" she said. you know
my husband, and-and he may have
told you about-about what occurred
long ago. He may not wish to meet
me, and he is right. But that is forgot
ten. He was innocent. 1t was us--me
who were to blame. l want to see
ask his pardon!"
The wounded man dropped back with
a groan.
TOO late. too late! he moaned in an
extremity Of agony.
what was that? Who said that?"
cried the wife in fear.
The detective stepped forward and
bowed.
II had the honor to meet you at vry.
burg, my lady," he said, speaking to
her, but keeping his gaze on his prison
er's face, ''and also was looking for
la-friend-who was in the battle. This
is he, but he is badly wounded and is
perhaps little off his head"
The raiders hand stole out unseen
and touched the detectives leg. '"Thank
you" the raiders lips murmured.
II thought am rather worn out
knew the voice." said the wife, in tears
"Oh, sir" she cried again to Wyvil
"have pity and take me to my hus
bandv'
Poor Wyvil was in distress. HI
knew not what to do. Again the de
tective felt his trouser touched. HI
bent down and caught the agonizet
whisper of the prisoner, Tell her any
thing to send her away; she must no
know"
The detective turned with perfec
equanimity to the lady.
Pardon me, my lady," said he, "bu
heard you mention Sir Robert jus
now-Sir Robert More"
Eyes, yes! Do you know him? He Il
here, is he not?"
The detective shook his head.
"You have been misinformed," salt
he quietly. "Sir Robert is-dead."
She threw up her hands, and her lip
Il l,,,% hn,
chung to her, weeping.
81 knew him very WELL" the detectiv
went on relentlessly. "He went unde
the name of Noble-Thomas Noble. II
, was killed fighting bravely in the las
: Kaffir outbreak in the north of tn
t Transvaal. You can find his name i
the list of killed here in Pretoria. II
: had no friends here. but l think hi
grave is marked. There can be no mis-
, take. think. This was he.'
: He proceeded to faithfully describ
z the prisoner at his feet.
{; II am afraid, my dear lady," said HI
e "that you have been misled by som
resemblance. He cannot be here"
e She had the strength left to look owe
ulA tue PiioohSls, put 1ouuu ho hoii ho'
o ert. So. ut last believing the kindly lii
G she was carried away. swooning
"Thank YOU" said the prisoner agal
d to the undisturbed detective. "Be kin
n once more. Do not send me to the no
pital. Let it-end-here."
:. 81 must do my duty" said the d
e tective.
Over the grave Of an utterly Vi
:, known exile on the sunbrowned velt
(. stands a shaft to the memory of S
v Robert More In n disgraced grave /
= the forgotten remains of the outcast {
n divers names.