Decorah public opinion. (Decorah, Winneshiek County [Iowa]) 1895-1928, 1907-04-17
THE WOMAN
IN THE CASE
BY c. CUNNINGHAM.



lage seemed innocuous enough.
Hemmed in on the west by chuck
ling little brook, which abounded in
fish, it nestled among the hills like a
domesticated hen ina heap of straw
Here | was spending week S va
cation. dawdled about my uncle S
farm-one of the most extensive in
that region-or lazily lolled about
the little country bank of which my
uncle was president
None of this is of sufficient moment
to anyone else to be worth chroni.
cling But events happened within
the month which changed the even
tenor of several lives.
Uncle, whose big, fine country
place is that which saw two miles
out on the Stratton road?' asked,
idly.
well, sir, answered my uncle,
THAT place belongs to Hamilton
Glencoe, the son of a wealthy farmer
for whom this village was named.
His father, was fine old fellow who
lived soberly and honestly. The
son is of a different stripe. That
big, fine house, with it's magnificent
grounds, is unoccupied. most efs the
time"
"That's a pity remarked absent
ly.
Ibis wife is in retreat for the
incurably insane my uncle con-
tinued. Report saysNthat the ladies
are very fond of Mr. Glencoe-or his
pocketbook. He spends very little
time at Glencoe Place, living quietly
and being seldom seen. By the way,
the fishing in his grounds is splendid.
Van: I'll speak to him about it and
you can try your luck there
He is home, them" l queried.
l was gazing toward the postoffice at
young lady who had just come out.
That isn't Glencoe damsel,"
thought. Her finely tailored, quiet
garb and the distinct dignity of her
carriage branded her as something
different.
Yes, he's home now,'' answered
my uncle, but he is leaving today"
"Uncle, l asked, abruptly chang
ing the subject ''who is that young
woman across the way?'
The old fellow smiled.
"Ah. Van The Chattertons always
have an eye for a pretty woman! But
boarder, dare say. The woods down
here are full of EN-
l continued to stare at the lady,
wishing she would lift the blue
chiffon veil which effectually pro-
tccted her complexion from the wind
But she passed on, out OF my sight,
she had aroused my curiosity.
| was equally curious to meet the
rich owner of Glencoe Place. My
acquaintance with millionaires was
still limited enough to make then
somewhat items of interest.
In the course of the next hour the
gentleman entered briskly, shook
hands with my uncle, and. upon in
PRODUCTION, with me
He was tall yet stockily built, his
lower jaw heavy and determined
looking. His thick, black hair,
straight and coarse, his dark com
plexion and uneven features gave hin
IA masterful look. l almost started
when he turned upon me his piercing
black eyes, barbed, it seemed, will
suspicion and distrust
might have been mistaken il
thinking his look to express all that
surely l did not have the appearance
of burglar or safebreaker.
He was very affable and readily
granted me permission to fish OF
shoot on his land
IN just telephone my man to that
effect he said, ''as i leave today,
to be gone indefinitely. Pray make
yourself at home IL the grounds.
may get back in time to have you NJ
for dinner some evening. Now, how
ever, the place is closed and quite
deserted save for caretaker. As you
no doubt know, / am quite alone NJ
there.
thanked him for his kindness and
he retired to my uncle's private office
to discuss the business that had
brought him over
/ am an ardent fisherman and my
feet were itching TO try the paths to
Glencoe Place. Accordingly, went
forth the very next day and soon
reached the edge of the wood lying
beyond the meadows through which
trickled the little brook
The haze of autumn lay upon the
hills and the rustic of the leaves
beneath my feet warned the squirrels
to scamper away. Certainly then,
was surprised to come upon young
lady who seemed unaware of my APP.
J proach.
She knelt upon the ground and was
, measuring a footprint in the soft leaf
mold.
l was almost beside her when she
) heard me, and, starting up with q
little cry of terror and dismay, stood
: poised for flight, yet too frightened tC
fly.
, l have always fiattered myself tina,
: was rather personable young man
J Certainly there is nothing in the