The Abbeville press and banner. [volume] (Abbeville, S.C.) 1869-1924, 1901-05-29
MYNHEER JOE.
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BY ST. GEORGE RATHBoRNE.
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COPYRIGHT
CHAPTER XII.
IContinued.1

They chat for a short time, anec-
dotes Of the famous sword-master or
the Due de Sevres being in order.
Then the sauntered over to the shoot
ing gallery, while Mynheer Joe does
some good work. Although he knows
now to handle a revolver in a way
few men can equal, Mr.. Grimes does
not change his mind. With the sword
Joe is absolutely safe, and as much
can never be said concerning pistols.
He is pleased to note, however, that
at twenty PAGES Joe is at his best,
though inferior to the baron on either
side Of this figure.
Then Mr.. Grimes meets the phofes-
sor, who has as much fun with him
as he afforded Joe. The stout, red
faced traveller is not built for a
swordsman, and soon tires Of being
driven into a corner like a rat at bay;
but he has put the professor into a
good humor.
The three friends pass out into the
night and head toward Shepherds
close by. Again is the grand square
Illuminated and the Gathering Of many
tongues heard. 1t is about the same,
day and night, here, at times more
noisy than at others, but only compar-
atively quiet from midnight until
morning, which period the countless
ours of the city select for their sere-
made, baying the moon, if there be
one, snarling and fighting in the pub
lie squares and carrying on like &
pack Of hyenas let loose.
AS they enter the hotel, pair Of
eyes fasten upon them, and man
starts forward. Mynheer Joe recog-
nizes a French officer. 1t is the same
whom Mr.. Grimes watched in conver-
sation with the baron the morning
before. He holds something in his
hand-a letter, judging from its ap-
pearance.
Now we have it," mutters Sandy,
as he and Mr.. Grimes purposely fall
back pace.
The courteous French officer bows.
Pardon! Am addressing Mon
sieur Miner?"
THAT is my name, sir" replies Joe,
calmly.
II have something for you, mon
sieur."
Thanks"
He tears it open. glanees at 1t,
smiles in a careless way, and passes
1t to Mr.. Grimes.
"You are Captain Faitoute, I pre-
sumeT"
"Qui, monsieur, at your service"
bowling.
Captain Faitoute, my friend Colo
mel Grimes. He will second me. All
arrangements made with him will
stand. Good evening" and Mynbeer
Joe walks complacently away, fol-
lowed by an admiring glance from the
Frenchman, who, under his breath,
mutters:
"Parbleu! A brave man, deserving
Of q better fate than q dogs death
at his hands; but it is the decree Of
fortune" struggling his shoulders.
He and Colonel Grimes walk aside
to make all necessary arrangements.
been a second in duel. but he has a
pretty fair idea rs to what his duties
are and always carries clear head
upon his shoulders.
The arrangements are soon made.
Joe, as the challenged party. has the
choice Of weapons, time and place.
Swords are selected, and the officer
promises to have a pair on the ground
so exactly alike that Joe shall pick
his own first.
1t is also arranged that the meeting
occur on the Mokkatam Hills above
Cairo, an hour after sunrise on the
following morning. Noticing the
Frenchman's look of wc-der at such
haste, "Colonel' Grimes adds quietly:
my principal sails for India on Sat
urday, and cannot delay for any little
by-play such US this. Tomorrow it
must be-"
advise him not to be too hasty in
ordering his state-room, Colonel.
There's many slip betwiXt the cup
and the lip" says the Frenchman
with significant meaning.
Don't worry about Mynheer Joe.
I know he is able to hoe his own row,
Monsieur le Captaine. We meet then
at daybreak on the Delhi wharf"
"Yes-the boats will be in readiness
Il shall have two, because my prin-
cipal may have scruples about re-
turning alongside his victim"
Mr.. Grimes laughs quietly at this
thrust. He imagines there may be
surprise in store for Captain Faitoute
IS we'll as the baron, and the pseudo
silver king is firm believer in the
old maxim that he laughs loudest who
laughs last.
So he bids the Frenchman bon soir
and resumes his talk with Sandy,
while Faitoute walks out of the hotel,
looking back at the red-faced Ameri-
can, whose eccentricities. no doubt,
have made him believe the other
bizarre specimen.
So it is all arranged.
Each principal is to have a second
and an additional friend. The French
man has suggested bringing a doctor,
at which Grimes smiles.
I'VE expect to have 10 need Of one;
but who knows? My principal would
not like to have human life on his
hands, especially white mans. Yes,
bring your doctor along. with plenty
of lint and bandages. for sword
wounds arc sometimes ugly things"