San Antonio daily light. [volume] (San Antonio, Tex.) 1886-1907, 1890-01-14
The Master Of Banantrae
By ROBERT LOUIS STEVENSON, Au-
thor DR.. Jekyll and Mr.. Hyde"
-. 49,

bothl Sons Z. the same mother, would you
turn against the life she gave youf
Even so, Mackellar," said Mr.. Henry, with
the same perfect quietude of manner he had
shown throughout.
1T is what will prevent" said |.
And now here is blot upon my life At
these words of mine the master turned his
blade against my bosom. l saw the light run
along the STEEL and threw up my arms and
fell to my knees before him on the floor
mo no." | cried, like baby.
1--WE shall have no more trouble with him."
said the master. at is good thing to have
a coward in the house."
1--WE must have light" said Mr. Henry, as
though there had been no Interruption
"This trembler can bring pair of can
dies" said the master.
To my shame be it said, was SO blinded
with the flashing of that bare sword that
volunteered to bring lantern.
1--WE do not need l-l-lantern," said the
master, hooking me- There is no breath of
air. Come, get to your feet, take pair of
lights and go before. | am close behind with
this making the blade glitter as he spoke.
| took up the candlesticks and went before
them, steps that would give my hand to
recall; but a coward is a slave at the BEST
and even as | went, my teeth smote each
other in my mouth. 1t was as he had said there
was no breath stirring: MINDLESS structure
of frost had bound the air; and as we went
forth in the shine of the candles, the black
ness was like q roof over our heads. Never a
word was said, there was never sound but
the creaking of our steps along the frozen
path The cold Of the night fell about me
like bucket of water; shook as l went with
more than terror; but my companions, bare
headed like myself, and fresh from the warm
hall, appeared not even conscious of the
change.
Here is the place" said the master Set
down the candles"
| did as he babe me, and presently the
flames went up as steady as in a chamber i'll
the midst of the frosted trees, and beheld
these two brothers take their PLACES
The light is something in my eyes" said
the master
Il will give you every advantage replied
Mr. Henry, shifting his ground, for think
you are about to die" He spoke rather sad
ly than otherwise, yet there was ring in his
voice.
"Henry Durie," said the master, two
words before | begin. You are fencer, you
can hold foil; you little know what a change
it makes to hold sword And by that
know you are to fall. But see how strong is
my situationl If you fall, | shift out of this
country to where my money is before me. If
| fall where are you? My father, your wife
who is in love with meas you very well
knOw-your child even who prefers me to
yourself: how will these avenge me! Had
you thought of that, dear Henry?" He looked
at his brother with smile; then made a
fencing room salute.
Never word said Mr.. Henry, but saluted
to, and the swords rang together
l am no judge of the play, but my head
besides was gone with cold and fear and hor-
rOr: hut it seems tina; Mr.. Henry took and
kept tue upper hand from the engagement,
crowding in upon his foe with a contained
and glowing fury. Nearer and nearer he
crept upon the man, till, of a sudden, the
master leaped back with little sobbing
oath; and | believe the movement brought
the light once more against his eyes To it
they went again, on the fresh ground; but
now methought closer, Mr.. Henry pressing
more outrageOusly, the master, beyond doubt,
with shaken confidence. For it is beyond
doubt he now recognized himself for lost, and
1900 SO'@AS Vi
he had never attempted the foul stroke. |
cannot say followed Tiny unframed eye
was never quick enough to seize detals-but
1t appears he caught his brothers blade with
his left hand, practice not permitted. Ger.
talnly Mr.. Henry only saved himself by leap
ing on one side, as certainly the master, lung
ing in the air, stumbled Oh his knee, and be-
fore he could move the sword was through
his body
cried out with stfed scream, and ran
in, but the body was already fallen to the
ground where it writhed a moment like a
trodden worm, and then lay motionleSs
Look at his left hand" said Mr.. Henry.
at is all bloody" said l.
"On the insideP said he
at is cut on the inside" said l.
81 thought So" said he, and turned his
back.
opened the mans clothes; the heart was
quite still, it gave not futter.
God forgive us, Mr. HenryI" said l. HE
Ia dead"
Dead" he repeated, little stupidity; and
then with rising tone, "Dead2 deadP' says
he, and suddenly cast his bloody sword upon !
the ground
What must we dog" said l. BE yourself, |
sir. 1t is too late now; you must be your |
self"
He turned and stared at me- "Oh, Mac
kellar" says he, and put his face in his hands. |
| plucked him by the coat. For Gods |
sake, for all our sakes, be more courageousm
said l. What must we dor
He showed me his face with the same stu
pid stare Dor says he And with that
his eye fell on the body, and "ohI" be cries