Manchester Democrat. [volume] (Manchester, Iowa) 1875-1930, 1900-04-04

Wrinkle. If you do not fight 1 shall
know that you are coward, SIR"
Then an idea was born in the officers
almost benumbed brain.
II cannot fight IA man in your po-
sition in-in life" he said. Surely you
know what is considered proper"
Ronald's face grew purple with sup
pressed rage.
DO you mean to tell me that you
may drive carriage over man in
public road and then resort to such a
petty subterfuge to get around the con-
sequences? Capt. Wrinkle, would
strike you in the face if could keep
from feeling that was striking
baby"
Wrinkle gave a furtive glance towards
the house. He looked slightly relieved
as if he thought by the tacit confession
of cowardice he was going TO escape
duel, which he feared quite as much
as death itself.
you may think what you please Of
me-" he said, "but am not willing to
fight duel with you-of course, con-
sidering all the circumstances"
II see your plan, Wrinkle, "said Ron
aid. you have insulted me in the pres
rnce of others, and if you avert trouble
with me- you leave the witnesses under
the impression that yielded to the
indignity without murmur. That, 1
see, must bear; but assure you, in
your refusal to fight me, you have re-
lieved my mind, for no coward can in
suit me-"
Wrinkle began to breathe more free
ly; he even allowed defiant smile to
play about his lips as he took match
from his pocket and relighted his cigar.
AS you please" he said, with q slight
suggestion of sneer. II cannot fight
you"
"But am not through with you,"
Ronald burst out, flaming up again.
"You are an officer in the pay of my
country" He had taken u pehknife
from his pocket when he restored the
revolvers to their places, and he now
deliberately grasped Wrinkles coat and
cut off the top button.
What are you doing?" gasped the
officer, pulling back.
Taking frmer grasp on the lapel,
Ronald jerked the captain back to
where he had stood. STAND still" he
Numbered. you are unfit to wear the
uniform OF any country. You'd make
gallant soldier in time ofneed, would
MT your"
Without another word Wrinkle stood
still and allowed Ronald to sever from
his coat his buttons and shoulder straps.
"Now good morning, captain" was
the parting injunction, eff you ever
dare to drive over me again, I shall sim
ply strangle you"
AS if afraid another word mightfur-
Their enrage his antagonist, Wrinkle re-
treated towards the house, taking long,
| swift strides.
Ronald stood for moment watching
the walk towards the house, then still
holding the buttons and shoulder
| straps in his hands, he sank on n rus.
tic seat near the spring. His passion
had already spent itself, and strange
revulsion of feeling came over him.
lie had drawn back his hand to
throw the buttons and shouldcr-straps
into the high grass, when he heard q
clear, ringing voice behind him.
Don't throw them away" and Eve.
lyn Hasbrooke, her big white apron
| filled with maiden-hair ferns and wild
flowers, emerged from behind thick
hedge.
Before her words had died out he
was on his feet, speeches. with sur
prise.
81 heard every word,p she said, with
q sigh, land at first 1 was almost
frightened to death. I was going to
interfere if he had-had accepted your
challenge, but when saw that he did
not intend to fight you remained
silent. was an eavesdropper-Ic con.
TESS that-but simply had to listen.
1t was really terrible-your voice
| your looks!"
He was overwhelmed with confu-
sion.
II feel as if I could never be par.
doned, Miss Hasbrooke," he managed
to San after o little 7pspss. II am on