Yorkville enquirer. [volume] (Yorkville, S.C.) 1855-2006, 1901-06-26
FM}lE Gl)QMA&&R
OF MOSCOW
9x SxIvANUS COBB, JF.

large open boathouse Wnlcn was
unused and deserted in the winter,
and it was proposed to 60 in there
because the reflection of the strong
sunlight from the bright snow was
calculated to blind and blur the eye.
CHA! What means that?" uttered
Orsa as he saw a sledge just turning
the bend of the river with an olhcer
in it.
'1t is only a surgeon" replied
Damonoff. 'I would not cut a
mans flesh without giving him a
fair chance to survive it."
"And then you may find him
serviceable to yourself, chi" sug-
gested the lieutenant.
"Of course. There is no telling
what may happen"
In a moment more the new sledge
came up, and Ruric recognized its
inmate as an army surgeon whom ne
had seen before, though he knew not
his name.
'eNow for the old boathouse,"
cried Urzen.
"Aye," added Damonoff. "Let us
have this business done, for | would
be back to dinner. l dine with Olga
today, and fair maiden awaits my
coming"
'tNotice him not" whispered Or
sa, who walked close by Ruric's side.
s'That is one Of his chief points
when engaged in an affair of this
kind. He hopes to get you angry
and so unhinge your nerves"
'Never fear returned the gun
maker. "Be sure he only brings
new danger to himself, for such ef-
forts will find their point in the
muscle of my arm"
The party halted when they
reached the interior of the rough
structure, and the count threw of
his spcfisse and drew his sword:
ric followed his example.
"Sir count" the latter said as he
moved a step forward, 'ere we COM
mence this work wish all present
to understand distinctly how |
stand. You have sought this quar-
rel from the first. Without the least
provocation from me you have in
suited me most grossly, and this is
the climax. So, before God and
man, be the result upon your own
head"
"Out, lying knave"-
"Hold," cried the surgeon, laying
his hand heavily upon the counts
arm. "You have no right to speak
thus, for you lower yourself when
you do it. If you have come to fight,
do so honorably."
An angry reply was upon Damo-
noff's lips, but he did not speak it:
He turned to his antagonist and
said:
"Will you measure weapons, sir !?
Mine may be mite the longest. |
seek no advantage, and | have one
here of the same length and weight
as nv own if you wish it."
I am we'll satisfied as it is" re-
piled Ruric.
"Then take your ground. Are you
ready?"
''I ami"
The two swords were crossed in
an instant, with clear, sharp clang.
There was some contrast between
the two combatants, but not much
apparently. The count was little
the taller, and Ruric was somewhat
heavier. But to a close observer
there was a peculiar contrast in the
bearing of the two men: That
breast swelling out so nobly and
those massiee shoulders, made for
the seat of physical power, were Ru-
ric's alone to possess. Yet Conrad
Damonoff was accounted a strong
man. In the athletic sports of the
court club he had few supcrlors and
not many equals. But llurlc Newell
had never shown his strength there.
Now, for the first time, that con-
temptuous look passed from the
counts face. As his eye caught his
antagonists position, as he MOTTO
ed the calm, digniiicd, quiet ease
of every limb and as he caught the
deep, mystic fire of those expressive
eyes he knew that he had no COM
mon amateur to deal with.
At length Conrad Damonotf start
ed back, and a quick cry escaped his
lips. His antagonists point had
touched his bosom. 1t had pressed
against his heart and had not been
driven home. Well he knew that his
life was his no longer, for the gun
maker had gained it and spared it.
"You fence WE'LL" he gasped,
struggling to regain his composure.
"Iou arc not a novice" returned
Ruric calmly, at the same time al
lowing his point to drop.
"Comc on" the count uttered,
now gathering all his energies for
another effort.
And again the weapons were
crossed. This time Damonoff was
more guarded. Before he had been