The true northerner. [volume] (Paw Paw, Mich.) 1855-1920, 1901-04-05

two had made off for the barracks.
''you are a man Of courage"
Thanks" said 1.
"Do you know anything about ra-
! pierSY' he asked
Il know the handle from the blade;
that's all. But that does not make any
difference. I'd fight him with any
weapon he struck me- and then
| then he kissed Gretchen"
Il have wiped ii off. herr" said
Gretchen dryly. Then she passed from
the room | went up stairs too.
looked out Of my window. There was
moonlight. possibly the last time
should ever see moonlight in the land
of the living. Nothing bEt Il mishap or
my opponents part and that early in
the combat would save my epidermis.
/ The absurd side Of the affair struck
me, and | laughed mirthlessly. but
none the less | laughed. If it had been
pistols, the chances would have been
equal. Gerrlan does not like pistols
Us duellng apparatus. They often
miss fire. a sword is a surer weapon.
And thin the French use them-the
pistols-in their fascoes. Rapiers?
was as familiar with the rapier as
was with the Zulu aSSagai. | unstrap-
ped my travelling case and took out
Phyllis photograph. | put it back. If
| was to have last look at any wom-
an, it should be at Gretchen. Then
got out my cane and practiced thrust
ing and parrying My wrist was
strong.
well" | mused, there's consolation
in knowing that in two hours l shall be
either dead or alive"
l flung the cane into the corner. To
pass away the time | paced back and
forth. 1t passed too quickly, and it
was not long ere | heard the clatter of
the returning cavalrymen. Some one
knocked at my door. | swung it open
and was thrown to the floor, bound and
gagged in a tenth of minute.
Put him on the bed" whispered the
leader of my assailants. When this
was done, the voice added, Now you
can go to the stables and wait there till
| call you"
1t was the innkeeper. He surveyed
me for a moment and scratched his
chin.
will herr keep perfectly quiet if
take the handkerchief from his
MOUTH he asked. | nodded, bewil-
dered.
What in tophet does this meanw |
asked did not say tophet. but 1t
looks better i'm writing.
1T means nothing and everything"
was the answer. In the first place.
herr will fight no duel. The man with
whom you were to fight was sent on an
errand to this out of the way place as
punishment for his dueling at the
capital | know him by reputation.
He is brawler. but a fair swords
man. He would halve you as | would
a chicken. There is another who has
prior claim on him. If there is any
thing left OF Herr Lieutenant at the
end of the fray. you are welcome to it,
Yes; there will be a duel, but you will
not be one OF the principals 1t is all
arranged"
but ! do not understand" | cried
ut is not necessary that you should"
He laughed and rubbed his hands In
pleasurable anticipation. There is a
young man down stairs who arrived a
few moments before the lieutenant
He has a special affair. There were
words. Herr Lieutenant is mad enough
10 fight whole company"
Then why in heavens name am
up here in this condition." cried
Let me 90 and be the young mans
second. though | can't for the life Of
me see whore he has come from so sud
denly and ! might say OPPORTUNITY
Come, cut me loose"
1T is too late"
TOO lateT'
yes. Herr Lieutenant has been in
formed that you ran away"
Ran away" roared. You told
him that | ran away? Curse your inso-
lence! I'll break every bone in your
body for this" cried, straining at the
ropes.
The ropes are new" said he. You'll
hurt yourself"
You told him that ran away?"
Ihis was too much.
Yes. All, but you will be surprised.
The duel viii last five minutes Herr
Lieutenant will thrust. The thrust will
be parted. lie will feint; useless.
Thrust on thrust, parry on parry. Con
sternation will take the place of conf
dence. He will grow nervous. He
will try ali his little tricks and they
will fail. Then his eyes will roll and
his breath come in gasps. Suddenly he
thinks he sees an opening. He lunges.
Ach, the fool, it is all overv The old
mans voice quivered with excitement.
He had passed his time in the barracks
and had seen many sword skirmish
We'll, are you going TO take off these
ropes?"
mo. You would break every bone i'm
my body"
groaned in evaporation.
you will soon be out of breath"
Oh, could | have but loosened those
cords!
"Stahlberg, who left the service a
wear 1uO will act i'm tha copa "a