The Princeton union. [volume] (Princeton, Minn.) 1876-1976, 1901-01-17

sWelled with rage. .=s: 49,
II pay you for that, you meddling
beef eaterY he roared.zg
Don't mention it, said 1, with an
assumption of blandness which l. did
not feel. THAT was simply gratuitous.
1t is sample of what 1 shall do to you
II you do not Immediately ask this la
dys pardon for the gross insult you
have just offered her, 49,.
INSULT! To kiss a common barmaid
an insult?' he yelled, now purpling.
'Why-why-What is this woman to
youths tavern wench,, this -.
2. BE careful" 1 warned. Gretchen
was calmly wiping her cheek, but her
eyes were like polished emeralds.
You have come here, believe" said
], to see if my passports were proper
Curse you and your passports!~ Are
you a gentleman?' ~@ -.
would your recognize one if you saw
him ?" laughed ~
"Can you fght?'
Certainly, said l, thinking of the
weapons nature in her kindness had
given to me.
- Good! Otto, have the horses brought
around We will cut for the barracks
and get the colonel's weapons, the ra-
piers."' The word "rapier" sent an icy
chill up my spine. A duel! =
The devil!'' said I under my breath.
| knew less about fencing than did
about aerial navigation, which was
precious little. The fact that Gretchen
was now smiling aggravated the situa-
ton. could not hep the shudder.
Why, the fellow would make a sieve
out Of me! = -.
VIII you look at my passports
now?'' l asked. 'You may not have
the opportunity again. -* - .:s>.o-
"Your passports from now on will be
Void was the retort. "But shall be
pleased to give you passport to the
devil. I shall kill you," complacently.
Think of my family" said I, q
strange humor taking possession of
me- ; x. ~, ~.-- ~. i y 4
"You should have thought of your
family before you struck me that
blow" he replied. -. -.-:..
My laughter was genuine Even
Gretchen struggled smile The lieu
tenant had taken my remark in all Sc
riousness.. You will not run avay?"
he asked. .-,.,7.- .
Il shall probably be obliged. to run
away tomorrow said smoothly. II
should not be able to account for your
presence here. But l shall await your
return from the barracks, never fear"
All this was mere brayado. Honestly,
1shrunk within my clothes and shiver-
ed in'my shoes. But had an unfailing
nerve. Some call it bluff.
Gretchen had been whispering to the
innkeeper. When he moved from her
side, she was smiling 49,
What the deuce is she smiling
about p wondered. 'tDoes the wom-
an take me for a modern D'Artag-
nan ?'
"Innkeeper," said the lieutenant, eff
this man is not here when I return I'll
take satisfaction out Of your hide"
The innkeeper shrugged. II have
never heard of an Englishman running
away 80 -~~'.- il
And I have seen many a German do
that, l put How am to know
that your going to the barracks is not
a ruse?'' - - =
He gasped. The words would not
come which would do justice to his
feelings. He drew off one.of his gloves
and. threw it into my face. 1t stung
me- should have T. ~ked him down
but for the innkeepep stepping be-
tween. ~ :@s:ssHzs = ! ! - :.
No, herr he said; '.do not disable
him. .-.- -
= You had best go to the barracks at
once" said I to the lieutenant. NV
clothes were too small for me now, and
1 did not SILVER in my Shoes My
Yankee" blood was up. I would have
fought him with battleaxes. $3.50
Herr" said the innkeeper when the
two had made off for the barracks,
you are man of courage y 81
Thanks, saidI. :. .s - - g.
DO you know anything about RAJ
piers he asked. IL:
81 i 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 .s.z:s.ss
Il have wiped it. off, herr" said
Gretchen dryly. Then she passed from
z the room. went up stairs too. 4
looked out Of my window. There was
moonlight, possibly the last time 4
should ever see moonlight in the land
of the living. Nothing but a mishap on
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. II it had been
pistols, the chances; would have been