Manchester Democrat. [volume] (Manchester, Iowa) 1875-1930, 1901-10-02


as opposed to that Of woman. He
stands up AMI risks his life, trusting
sometimes to his SKILL as In n duel with
swords, and sometimes to chance, as
on battlefield where the bullets are
flying. Molly therefore watched the
fight with cleaning eyes and parted
lips. She was almost ready to forgive
the man who had attempted this in
jury for the sake Of his courage, and
she could not sufficiently admire his
adversary for the cold and impassiye
way in which he met every furious ut.
tack, just with simple turn Of the
wrist, as 1t seemed to her.
Tom was strong-and lusty fellow,
and he could fight after his fashion,
which was with thrust upon thrust,
fast and furious, as If reckless of him
self SO that he could engage his ad-
yersary wholly In defense until he
found q moment of weakness.
He had fought many times and hith-
erto always without scratch or a
wound. the fight always ending with
his adversary PROSTATE. On this occa-
sion, however, he found that every
thrust was parted, that his adversary
yielded not SO much as an inch Of
ground and that he had to do with q
wrist of iron and the eye of hawk.
"Jack," said Molly, II hope that de-
sired not the death of the young man,
but i did desire his defeat. 1t was
splendid to see him stamping on the
ground and attacking like lightning.
But it was more splendid to see his adj
versary immovable. He stood like a
rock He showed neither passion nor
excitement, He parted every thrust
with just a turn of his wrist"
The gentlemen on horseback closed in
and looked on, holding their breath.
There was no longer any fear on ac-
count Of their champion. For the first
time in their lives they saw as fine q
master Of fence as ever came out of the
schools of Paris. Meantime the other
man was us one maddened. He drew
back; he roared like bull; he rushed
upon his enemy; he painted and gasp
ed, but he continued the fight undaunt-
ed.
Suddenly his sword flew out of his
hand and fell In the field beside the
.chaise.
"Pick up your masters sword" Lord
Fylingdale ordered the chairmen.
The spectators looked to see Tom
run through on the spot. On the con-
trary, Lord Fylingdale remained in his
attitude of defense. He was playing
with his enemy,
"Take your sword" he said. "You
are at my mercy. But take your sword,
man. We have only just begun"
Tom received his sword and wiped
the mud upon his shirt. Then he re-
newed the attack. But it was with less
confidence. That one should refuse
to finish the duel when he had disarpl-
ed his adversary was thing beyond
his experience.
| "Tom is dashed" said one Of the
company. SIT is all over with Tom"
1t was. After n few more lunges,
parted with the same quiet skill and
calmness Of manner, Toms sword
once more flew out Of his hand. Then
the duel was over, for Lord Fylingdale
made one thrust, and his sword passed
clean through the right arm at the
shoulder, passing out at the other side.
Tom reeled. One of his chairmen ran
to his help, and he fell upon the
ground, fainting, in small pool OF
| blood.
Lord Fylingdale paid no attention to
him. He wiped his sword on the grass
replaced 1t In the scabbard and put on
his coat and waistcoat. This done, he
advanced to Molly.
Madam" he said, 1--WE are fortu.
nate, indeed, In being able to effect a
rescue. This is not place for a lady
nor is this sight that one would will
ingly offer you. I trust that no VIC
lence has been used"
81 thank your lordship. 1t was q
horrid sight. Oh, do not let the poor
man die! He is a villain, but he has
failed. Be merciful."
Then the captain came running up
"Mollyr' he cried with the tears run
ming down his face. "Molly, we arr
not too late? They haven't married
you? The villain is paid. He is paid
take 1t. he hasn't married you yet
By heaven, If he has I will brazil
him with my cudgel SO you shall be {
widow as soon as wife,"
Captain, can you ask me? The maj
had chaise waiting here and woult
have forced me into it. But ran int,
the house and SO into the upper floor
whittier he could not follow. He sc
his men to pull off the thatch. VIVA
he would have done next know not
But could defend myself"
what is that in your hand, Molly !?
1t was the knife, which she still hel,
in readiness. She threw 1t away. g
shall not need it now" she said
what do you think should hav
done with it?"
Molly, know what you would hay
done. said that there was no man Il
England who could marry you agains
your will. 1t was his heart and not hi
shoulder that would have received til
knife. My dear, knew my Molly.
knew my girl"
Then the other gentlemen crowde
round, Offering their congratulation:
no one taking the least notice of til
unlucky Tom, who still lay pale an
bleeding on the ground.
1t was Lord Fylingdale who came t
his assistance. "Here, fellow" he Oh
dered the chairman. 'Take up you
master and put him in the chair. ST
and as for YOU" he addressed the pos
boy, there is guinea. Drive as fas
as you can back to Lynn. Put him t
bed in his lodging and send for SUI
geon or wise woman or some one t
look after the wound"
"Will he dep asked one of the BY
, ISLANDERS.
81 should think it lot unlikely. HI
wound is dangerous, and, If l kno'
anything about man, from his NJ
: pearance should say that he woul
be inclined to fever. But we are NJ
concerned with his fate, whether j
7 dies or lives: he has ATTEMPTED vi