The Sauk Centre herald. (Sauk Centre, Stearns County, Minn.) 1886-current, 1901-02-21

q shock. The word american" was
written after the nationality clause in
my passports. I was in for some ex-
element on my own account. If re-
turned from my rooms saying that /
could not find my passports, they
would undoubtedly hold me till the
same were produced. "I'll go and
bring them for you," said I. I wanted
some time In which to mature plan OF
action if action became necessary. .%r
There was rather a sad expression in
Gretchen's eyes. She understood to q
fuller extent than what was likely to
follow when it was found that I had
misrepresented myself. / cursed the
folly which had led me to say that l
was English, and swore at the inn
keeper for meddling. AS l left the
room 1 smiled at Gretchen, but she did
not answer it. Perhaps was gone five
minutes. Inethat time made up my
mind to show the passports and trust
to luck for the rest. When l came
back, Gretchen had engrossed their at
tention. They took no notice of'me.
have never understood how it came
about, but all at once the lieutenant
bent forward and kissed Gretchen on
the cheek. She started back with
cry, then looked at me. That swift
glance told me what to do. took the
lieutenant by the collar and flung him
into the corner. The surprise on his
face was not to be equaled. Then as
he rose to his feet the veins ip his neck
swelled with rage. = ~.
"I'u pay you for that, you meddling
beef eater" he roared.
Don't mention it," said 1, with an
assumption of blandness which l did
not feel. THAT was simply gratuitous.
1t is sample of what shall do to you
if you do not Immediately ask this la
dy's pardon for the gross insult you
have just offered her."
Insult! To kiss common barmaid
an insult" he yelled, now purpling.
"Why-why-what is this woman to
you-this tavern wench, this
"Be careful" I warned. Gretchen
was calmly wiping her cheek, but her
eyes were like polished emeralds.
I, Ito see if my passports were proper"
Course you and your passports! Are
you gentlemanw
would you recognize one if you saw
him?" laughed.
"Can you fightY
Certainly" said l, thinking of the
weapons nature in her kindness had
given to me.
"Good! Otto. have the horses brought
around. We will cut for the barracks
and get the coloneps weapons, the ra-
PIERS" The word 'rapier" sent an icy
chill up my spine. A duel!
1.-THE devilv' said under my breath.
I knew less, about fencing than I did
about aerial navigation, which was
was now smiling aggravated the situa-
ton. l could not hep the shudder.
Why, the fellow would make q sieve
out Of me!
Twill you look at my passports
now?" asked. you may not have
the opportunity again."
"Your passports from now on will BE-
pleased to give you a passport to the
devil. l shall kill you." complacently.
think Of my family" said 1,
strange hllmor taking possession of
me.
You should have thought Of your
family before you struck me that
blow" he replied.
Nv louobtor vas toonuino Evon
Gretchen struggled smile. The lieu
tenant had taken my remark in all Sc
robustness. You will not run away"
he asked.
81 shall probably be obliged to run
away tomorrow" said | smoothly. Il
should not be able to account for your
presence here. But shall await your
return from the barracks, never fear"
All this was mere bravado. Honestly,
l shrunk within my clothes and SILVER
ed in my shoes. But had an unfailing
nerve. Some call it bluff.
Gretchen had been whispering to the
innkeeper. When he moved from her
side, she was smiling.
"What the deuce is she smiling
about?' l wondered. "Does the wom-
an take me for modern D'Artag-
nanY
"Innkeeper," said the lieutenant, 'if
this man is not here when return I'll
take satisfaction out of your hide"
The innkeeper shrugged. 81 have
never heard of an Englishman running
away"
"And have seen many a German do
that" l put in. How am l to know
that your going to the barracks is not
a ruse?"
He gasped. The words would not
come which would do justice to his
feelings. He drew off one of his gloves
and threw it into my face. It stung
me. i should have knocked him down
but for the innkeeper stepping be-
tween. ~! z...
"No, herr he said; 'do fot disable
him." u
You had best go to the barracks at
once" said | to the lieutenant. My
clothes were too small for me now, and
did not shiver in my shoes. Ny
Yankee" blood was up. I would have