The Palatka news. [volume] (Palatka, Fla.) 1905-1908, 1905-11-10
A CASE IN
DUPLICATE
(original.I

each other deV0tedly. HenrS was
four years older than Howard, but
looked younger He had been injured |
when a child, and this had retarded
his development When he was seven
years old a cyclone passed over the
town where they lived, leaving the
swath of a gigantic seythe behind IL
The brothers had been left alone IN
the house, Henry in charge of it and
of his little brother Howard. At the
time of the passage of the whirlwind
Howard was asleep. Feeling the house
crashing down upon them, Henry
planted himself above his younger
brother to protect him. When several
hours later they were taken out from
under the fallen timbers, Howard was
found to be unhurt, but Henry had re-
celyed severe injuries.
And now at twenty-six and twenty
two respectively Henry was small ana
thin and pale, Howard a well deyel-
oped, stalwart man. Henry felt the
same affection for his brother as when
he had saved him from death. Howard
lived under a constant reminder OF the
sacrifice Henry had made for him, and
it was his aim to heap benefits upon
the brother who had taken the burden
that had permitted his own develop
ment. Howard was never SO well
pleased as at discovering some want
of Henry's that he could supply. The
pair were observed by their friends,
who said that if one brother married
the other would receive a blow from
which he would never recover.
Fortunately they both fell in love at
the same time and with sisters. Henry
became engaged to Della Martin, and
Howard soon after became engaged to
her sister Belle. 1t was said that
Howard proposed to the sister OF his
brothers fiancee to save himself from
being left with no one to love. How
ever this may be, both brothers seemed
satisfied.
Henry Corwith, deprived Of the
physique with which to live a strenu-
Gus life, found compensation in art.
After learning all of his profession
that could be drawn from American
preceptors he resolved to go abroad to
study Belle Martin possessed musical
tastes and concluded to take course
of music in Germany. 1t was agreed
that the two should cross the ocean in
the same vessel, and upon arrival Hen
ry was to go to Paris, Belle to Berlin.
They sailed in the autumn and were
to return the following summer.
Howard Corwith endured the separa-
ton from his brother and his fiancee as
best he could Howard and Della had
common interest and naturally turn
ed to each other for comfort. Each
found in the other a listener into
whose ear to pour story of enforced
separation. Howard talked of Belle,
and Della talked of Henry. The inter-
change of sympathy was perfect.
Ten months passed. Henry and
Belle wrote that they would meet in
Southampton and return on the same
steamer. Towards friends, wien APP
prised of his brothers and his 1ancees
return congratulated him warmly, but
| Howard, instead of looking happy over
the approaching reunion, wore trou-
bled look AS the time for the absent
ones return drew near this evidence
Of some secret dread increased, and on
the day of the arrival Howard seemed
threatened with nervous prostration.
Della Martin went to New York to
meet her sister, the two girls having
arranged to pass few days in the
city. Howard Corwith sent word that
he was not well enough to go on to
meet his brother and his tiancee, and
Henry on reaching port TOOK the first
train home. Howard drove to the sta
ton for him. At their meeting Henry
noticed that Howard looked right past
him, avoiding meeting his eye. Henry
sighed and bent his head. The pres
sure of hands was cold and the meet
ing entirely devoid of warmth. As
they drove home together Henry said:
FLETCHER came to see You, suppose.
and brought you the commissions ]
gave him for your"
yes"
Henry sighed and gazed far away.
FLETCHER told me all about you" said
Howard.
$50 supposed" said Henry.
"It was a pleasant season for you
and Belle to be together in Switzer-
land"
FLETCHER spoke of itT
YES"
BY this time they reached the house
and, alighting, went into the library,
where they had so often smoked and
talked and exchanged condolences.
Then Henry said:
Howard, this thing is killing you"
"How did you know it?" Howard
asked, quickly looking up at his
brother.
II knew Fletcher would give you
the facts" replied Henry without no.
ticing the question. 81 saw what was
On your mind the moment arrived"
"You are right in assuming that 1t is
killing me. To think that you who have
borne the burden for me all these years
and must always bear it should have
such a brother"
"What do you mean, Howardr
II mean that am a dog. You know
1t as well as l. But what could dot
We have been thrown together con-
stantly ever since you and Belle went
away. thought loved Belle. Now
know love Della. have robbed you
80 hav