Yorkville enquirer. [volume] (Yorkville, S.C.) 1855-2006, 1901-03-23
Copyright, 1900, by Harold McGrath.
CHAPTER XIII.

Strassburg inn. on the north road, nei-
ther the prince nor Won Walden was
in evidence. stepped from our car
riage and gazed interestedly around
me. The scene was a picturesque one.
The sun, but half risen. was Of rusty
brass. and all east was mottled with
purple and salmon hues. The clearing.
quarter Of a mile away, where the
prince and were to settle our dispute,
was hidden under q fine white snow,
and the barren trees which encircled 1t
stood out blackly. Pembroke looked at
his watch.
"They ought to be along soon. It's
FIVE after 4. How do you feelT' re-
garding me seriously.
LAS nerveless as rod Of Steel" l
answered. Let us 60 in and order a
small breakfast. I'm bit cold"
Better let it 60 at u cup Of coffee" p"
he suggested.
ut will be more consistent, that Is
true" | said. Coffee and pistols for
two"
I'm glad to see that you are
bright" said Pembroke. Hold out
your hand"
did so.
"Good. So long as 1t doesn't trem-
BILE have confidence Of the end"
We had scarcely finished our coffee
when the prince. followed by Won Wal
den, entered.
Pardon me-" he said. "for having
made you wait"
Permit me-" said l. rising. ito pre-
sent my second Mr.. Pembroke, his
highness Prince Ernst Of Wortum-
borg"
And the four Of us left the inn and
crossed the field. The first shot fell
to me. Pembroke's eyes beamed with
exultant light. Won Walden's face
was without expression. AS for the
prince, he still wore that bantering
smile. He was confident Of the end.
He knew that / was a tyro. whereas
he had faced death many times. |
sighed. I knew that should not aim
to take his life. was absolutely with
out emotion. There was not the slight
est tremble in my hand as l accepted
the pistol. There Is nothing like set
purpose to still the tremors OF mans
nerves. I thought Of Hillars, and for
a moment my arm stiffened; then re-
called Gretchen's last letter. ! fell to
wondering where the bullet would hit
me. I prayed that his aim might be
sure.
"Many persons think that I am a
man without compassion" said the
prince. as we were about to step to our
places. 81 have an abundance Of 1t.
You have everything to lose. and |
have nothing to gain. If it is your de-
sire. shall be happy to explain that
you wish to withdraw. But say the
word"
He knew what my reply would be.
"Withdraw," said l. "and have you
laugh at me and tell your friends that
acted the poltroon? Really. you do
me injustice"
"And do you hate me so very much?"
mockery in his eyes.
"Not now. did hate you. but hatred
is a thing we should not waste any
more than love. have taken the bird
and the nest from your hands: that L.
more than enough. You are merely an
object for Scorn and contrmp: and in.
difference now. No: | have no wish To
withdraw"
You read between the lines" he
said indeed. should like nothing
better than TO have the privilege of
calling yOn a poltro0n and Il coward
and to tell your priuceSS Of it," He
sauntered back to his place lpSurrly.
Aim the slightest to the left" whiS-
pered Pembroke: "the wind will carry
1t home"
pressed his hand. 4 moment later
! stood facing the prince. | lifted the
pistol and tired. Had the prince been
ten feet to the right he must have been
hit. threw the smoking pistol aside.
let my arms fall and waited. could
see that Pembroke was biting his lip to
hide his anxiety and disappointment.
Slowly the prince leveled the weapon
at my breast. Naturally ! shut my
eyes. Perhaps there was prayer on
my lips. God. how long that wait SEEM
ed to me! 1t became so tedious that
opened my eyes again. The pistol arm
Of the prince appeared to have frozen
in the air.
ut is getting cold" cried. Shoot.
for Gods sake shoot. and end it,
In int IL, nj
took the pistol by the barrel and flung
IL at my feet. The rest OF us looked oil
dumfounded.
"They are all Of the same kidney,
count. these AmericauS.' said be-
"'rhey would be dangerous as nation
were it not for their love Of money"
Then to me. "Go tell your princess that
have given your life to you"
THE devil take you!" | cried. The
strain had been terrible.
"All in good time" retorted the
prince. getting into his coat and furs.
yesterday morning had every inten-
tion OF killing you. This morning it
was farthest from my thoughts though
did hope to see you waiver. You are
man OF courage. SO was your friend.
1t is to be regretted that We were on
different sides. Devil take the women!
Good morning"
After the count had gathered up the
pistols the two walked toward the inn.
Pembroke and followed them at q
distance.
~ wonder if he had any idea of what
q poor shot you were!" mused Fem
broke. 1T was very good farce"
IL aimed ten feet to the right" said