The Columbia herald. [volume] (Columbia, Tenn.) 18??-1935, 1901-12-06
CHAPTER ".
THE CJAITrNCT

his shop, where he went at work
upon a gun which had been ordered
some days before. As yet he had
said nothing to Paul concerning the
affair Of the day before since his re-
burn from tie Kremlin. He asked
him now, however, if any one had
called.
"Ouly the monk" returned Paul,
without seeming to consider that
there was anything very important
III the visit.
'EDo you mean the black monk
Vladimir" asked the young man,
starting.
eyes, my master lie called here
about the middle of the forenoon.
He wanted one of the small daggers
with the pearl haft."
"And did YOU lei him have one?"
certainly. He paid me 4 due
ats for it and would have paid more
had | been willing to take it.
"And did he make any converse
ton? 2"
eyes. He asked me why the Count
Damonof came here yesterday"
cha! How did he know of their
visit?"
~"He was waiting at the inn for q
sledge when he overheard the count
and his companion conyersing upon
the subject"
"And did he ask you any ques-
lions touching the PARTICULARS"
"Ges-many."
"And how answered YOU"
81 told him the whole story, from
beginning to end. | found that he
knew something of their purpose
from what he accidentally over
heard, and, rather than have him go
away full of Surmises, l told him
all"
"Of the message too?"
eyes, my master. told him all
that happe,s1, from the showing Of
the paper which the duke had drawn
up to the departure of the angry
man"
"And what did the monk say"
Ruric asked very earnestly.
"Why, he said he knew the count
and that he was a proud, reckless
fellow and worth but little to soci-
ETY.; that was all. He did not seem
to care much about it anyway; only
he said he should have done Just as
you did and that every law of JUS
tice would bear you out. He had
more curiosity than interest, though
| am sure all his sympathies are
with YOU"
every well" returned Ruric. at
can matter but little what the monk
thinks about it, though | would
rather have him know the truth if
he must know anything, for l would
not be misunderstood"
''He understands it all now, my
master, and | trust you are not Of
Tended at the liberty l took in tell,
ing him."
"Not at all, Paul b ot at all"
Here the conversation dropped
and the worl; was resumed in 81.
Fence. 1t was past 3 o'clock when
Ruric's mother came and informed
him that a gentleman in the house
would speak with him.
as it Stephen Urzen?" asked the
youth.
His mother said it was.
"Then bid him come out here"
Claudia retired, and in few mo-
nents more the gentleman made his
appearance.
'Ruric Newell" he said, bowling
very stiflly and haughtily, 81 bring
message from the Count Damo
noff."
very well, sir" returned TIT
gunmaker proudly, 81 am ready t.
receive il"
Thereupon Urzen drew a sealed
note from his pocket and handed i
to Ruric, who took it and broke tn
seal. He opened it and read as fol
lows:
Ruric Nevel-An insult of the most aggravatin
nature has for the time leveled all distinctions
caste between us, Your blood alone can wash on
the stain. would not murder you outright, an
VI other way but this ! reach you. NJ
friend, the bearer Ct this will make all aTrang,
rents. Ii you dare not meet M, say 50, that a
may know who is the coward, DANoSoFF.
When Ruric had read the missive
he crushed it in his hand and gaze
It's bearer some moments in the fac
without speaking.
VIII YOU answer asked Urzer
He spoke more softly than before
for he saw something in the gun
makers face which he dared no
provoke.
"Are YOU acquainted with Atari
Orsa, lieutenant of the guard?'
ayes. sir; | know him we'll
"Then let me refer you to hin
He will make all necessary arrang,
ments, and / shall hold myseI
bound by his plans. l trust that