Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1895-07-13

on his shoulders, and he looked at US with
the vague, dim gaze Of drunken man.
YET ne was not SO drunk but that our
uniforms carried their message to him.
Well, my brave boys" he hiccoughed,
what Is the latest news from ParIs-eh
you're going to free Poland, 1 hear, and
nave meantime all become slaves to your
selves. slaves to a little autocrat with his
gray coat and three-cornered hat. No
more citizens, either, am told, and MOTH
ing out monsieur and madam. My faith,
some more heads will have to roll into the
sawdust basket some of these mornings !"
the ruffian's side.
Jean Carabin," said he,
The baron started, and the film Of drunk
enness seemed to be clearing from his
eyes.
Jean Carabin." said Duroc once more.
He sat up and grasped the arms Of his
chair.
What do you mean by repeating that
name. young MANI" he asked.
Jean Carabin, you are a man whom
long wished to meet"
"Supposing that l had once such a name,
how can 1t concern you since you must
have been child when bore it?''
My name Is Duroc.''
Not the son of -"
1.-THE son Of the man you murdered"
me baron tried to laugh, but there was
terror in his eyes.
I'VE must let by-gones be by-gones,
young man." he cried. at was our life or
theirs In those days, the aristocrats or the
people. Your father was of the Gironde
He fell. I was Of the mountain Most of
my comrades fell. 1t was all the fortune of
war. We must forget all this and learn
to know each other better, you and IT,
He held out red. twitching hand as he
spoke
Enough" cried young Duroc 'If I
were to pass my saber through you as you
sit in that chair should do what is right
and just. l dishonor my blade by crossing
1t with yours. And yet you are a French
man and have even held commission un-
der the same flag as myself. Rise then
and defend yourself!'
Tut, tutH' cried the baron. ut Is all
very well for you young bloods-'
Duroc's patience could stand 1t no more
He swung his open hand into the great
grange beard 1 saw a lip fringed with
blood, and two glaring blue eyes above 1t.
You shall die for that blow"
THAT is better" said Duroc.
MY saber." cried the other. II will
not keep you waiting, l promise you'll"
and he hurried from 6he room.
CHAPTER w.
I have said that there was a second door
covered with a curtain. Hardly had the
baron vanished than there ran from be-
hind 1t woman, young and beautiful. So
swiftly and noiselessly did she move that
she was between US in an instant. and 1t
was only the~shaking curtains which told
us whence she had come.
IT have seen 1t ALL" she cried. "Oh, sir,
you have carried yourself splendidly.' She
stopped to my companions hand and kiss
ed it again and again ere he could disen-
gage it from her grasp.
Nay, madame why should you kiss my
hand?" he cried.
Because it is the hand which struck
him on the vile, lying mouth. Because 1t
may be the hand which will avenge my
mother. I am his stepdaughter. The
woman whose heart he broke was my
there is his step!'' In an instant she had
A moment later the baron entered with
drawn sword in his hand and the fellow
who had admitted us at his heels.
"This is my secretary said he. He
will be my friend in this affair. But we
shall need more elbow room than we can
find here. Perhaps you will kindly come
with me to more spacious apartment.
1t was evidently impossible to fight in a
chamber which was blocked by great
table. We followed him out therefore,
into the dmly lit hall. AT the further end
q light was shining through an open door.
I'VE shall find what we want in here"
said the man with the dark beard.
1t was a large, empty room, with rows
of barrels and cases around the walls. A
strong lamp stood upon a shelf in the cor
ner. The floor was level and true, so that
no swordsman could ask for more. Duroc
drew his saber and Sprang into 1t. The
baron stood back with a bow and motioned
me to follow my companion. Hardly were