Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1901-09-12

away. out of themselves, by the sight
of mere fighting. 1t is spectacle
which they cannot choose but gaze up
on. 1t shows the true nature of man
as opposed to that of woman. He
stands UP and risks his life, trusting
sometimes to his skill, as in a duel with
swords and sometimes to chance, as
on a battlefield where the bullets Are
flying. Molly therefore watched the
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 impa ssiye
way in which he met every furious at
tack, just with a simple turn Of the
wrist, us it seemed to her.
Tom was a strong and lusty fellow,
and he could fight after his fashion,
which was with thrust upon thrust,
fast aud furious, as If reckless of him
self SO that he could engage his ad,
versary wholly in defense until he
found moment of weakness.
He had fought many times and hlth
erto always without scratch or a
wound, the fight always ending with
his adversary PROSTATE. On this coca
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 a
wrist Of iron and the eye OF a hawk,
Jack" said Molly, II hope that de
sired not the death Of the young man,
but | 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 ad-
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 &C
count Of their champion. For the first
time in their lives they saw as fine a
master of fence as ever came out of the
schools Of Paris. Meantime the other
man was as one maddened. He drew
back; he roared like bull: he rushed
upon his enemy; he painted and gasp
ed, but he continued the fight undRunt-
ed.
Suddenly his sword few out Of his
hand and fell in the field beside the
chaise.
"Pick up your masters sword" Lord
Fyllngdale ordered the chairmen.
The spectators looked to see Tom
run through on the spot, On the con
trary, Lord Fyllngdale 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 II was with less
confidence. That one should refuse
to finish the duel when he had dlsarm-
his experience.
"Tom is dashed" said one of the
company. at is all over with Tom"
1t was. After a few more iunges
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 Fylingdal lie
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. fanting, In a small pool OF
blood.
Lord Fylingdale paid no attention to
him. He wiped his sword on the grass
replaced 1t In the sea aboard 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 lady
nor is this u sight that one would will
ingly offer you. trust that no VIC
lence has hccn used"
81 thank your lordship. II was a
horrid sight, Oh, do not let the poor
man dio He is villain, but he has
failed, BE merciful."
Then the captain came running up
'Molly" nc cried with the tears run
ming down his face. Molly, we ar,
not too late? They haven't marie,
you? The villain is paid. He is paid
] take ii. He hasn't married you yet
BY heaven, II he has | will brain
him with my cudgol 50 you shall be
widow as soon as u wife,"