Audubon Republican. [volume] (Audubon, Iowa) 1894-1925, 1915-10-07

Mr.. Cameron anxiously.
mot very much" replied Allan. HE
will soon be all right. Let us take him
upstairs to bed at once"
All that night the minister remained
by the bedside Of the ex-editor.
A doctor was called, and he examined
the wound on his head and shook bis
head gravely. Reginald Nelson grad.
ually sunk into a stupor, and In the
morning his condition was very seri.
Gus.
The next day the issue Of the Courier
astounded the people Of Bronson.
Mr.. Graham had signed article In
the paper denouncing Reginald Nelson
and giving his version Of the fight in
the printing room. He characterized
the Independence day edition as a
mass of libel and promised the people
that the owners of the paper would
be more careful in their supervision of
the newspaper. "The Courier has al
ways borne the reputation of being a
conservative and safe paper, and we
regret very much that this adventurer,
who wormed himself into the conf
dence of so many of our citizens, has
brought such disgrace upon u.s."
These were the closing words of Mr..
Graham's statement Tie citizens
were at once divided into two camps,
some asserting that they always knew
that Reginald Nelson was an impos-
tor, and the others, at first greatly in
the majority. protested that the ex-
editor had been misjudged.
In the issue of the day following no.
tice was given Of the suit against Reg
inald by the Courier Publishing COM
pany, and dark hints were made here
and there in the paper in regard to
stories which had become current re-
garding the immigrants career in Eng
land.
1t was even reported that he had de-
serted wife In the old country, that
he was a fugitive from justice and
that he was an ex-criminal.
These stories were also circulated on
the streets of Bronson, and the popu-
lar sentiment began to turn against
the unfortunate Reginald.
CHAPTER XVII.
Brain Fever.
= FTER a week good deal &C
A the excitement had Gained
down, and Ned Rowlands was
In charge as editor, although
he was assisted daily by Mr.. Graham.
who spent large part Of his time In
the newspaper office.
The city administration made anoth-
err apparently successful effort to ban
ish open gambling and vice. but this
second display of reforming zeal was
much less convincing than the first.
and the reformers began to organize
for new city ticket at the fall cleo
ton.
During these days Reginald Nelson
lay helpless In his room at the Cam
eron home The blow on his head,
combined with the mental shock which
he had received on the evening of the
fatal July 4, produced an attack Of
brain fever which wasted the young
man day by day. The charges against
him at police headquarters had been
dismissed, but his condition was pitt
able. He was altogether without mon
ey, having failed to draw his salary
from the Courier treasury during his
term as editor, and judgment for the
amount Of his note to the newspaper
company having been found against
him. His reputation seemed lost. as
every day his enemies gained ground,
and the stories which had been scat
tered broadcast were now commonly
believed.
II fear that was a fatal blow" said
the doctor about two weeks after the
encounter.
DR.. Gracely and Allan Rutledge were
discussing the case in the front room
Of the Cameron home.
"what does he need to help himT
asked the minister, with moist eyes.
HE is discouraged in body, soul and
spirit" replied the doctor. If he could
be moved out of Bronson to some quiet
country place for month or two there
is a chance that he might begin to re-
gain his faculties"
II know what we will do" respond
ed Allan Rutledge. "Mr. Derwent was
here yesterday inquiring for him. l
was afraid to allow him to see Reg
inald, but he seemed greatly interest
ed In the young man. l happened to
be here when he called. He mention
ed that he wished he was well enough
to 60 home with him to the farm"
II know Derwent's place well. That
would be just the place for him." said
the doctor quickly.
For several days previous to this no
one had been allowed to see Reginald
except Allan Rutledge and the doc
tor, but that morning Joy Graham ap-
peared at the Cameron home. Mrs.
Cameron greeted her sadly, telling how
poorly the young man was. ''They
have just murdered the BARN." said
the Scotchwoman. beginning to cry,
''and those awful lies they are telling
about him. People are beginning to
believe them" Mrs. Cameron covered
her face and wept silently.
Let me see him." Joy pleaded.
II win ask the nurse"
In few moments she returned and
led Joy upstairs. When the girl saw
the wan face Of the invalid she was
startled at the awful change which two
weeks had wrought. He put out his
hand feebly.
you will get well, Mr.. Nelson. and
you will finish your work in Bronson