The Abbeville press and banner. [volume] (Abbeville, S.C.) 1869-1924, 1901-06-12
CHAPTER XIV.
Continued

"That is a small matter. find
them equal One has stain upon it,
you see"
"Oui, monsieur" bending forward to
look at it more closely, and then turn
ing to the baron, who smiles coldly, as
he carelessly remarks:
The blood of young Lord Carmor-
gan. We met in Turkey. He was bur-
led in Stamboul, believe. A careless
second failed to wipe the blade, and it
is such a good set that I hate to part
with them"
These words have not the slightest
effect upon the American, who holds
the two swords, one in either hand,
weighing them thus.
Choose the one that is stained
that has stood the test, and may be
lucky" whispers Sandy.
Say rather accursed, my friend,
since it is marked by the blood of a
brave man. I'll take the same blade
Lord Carmorgan handled. Since
Briton failed to teach the Russian
bear a lesson with it, We'll see what
Brother Jonathan can do. Hold it for
me, Mr. Grimes"
No one makes any remark, though
secretly the baron is fuming, while
both Mr.. Grimes and Sandy chuckle
at the words of the traveller. 1t is pat.
ent that Mynheer Joe has gauged the
makeup of his antagonist to dot, and
will be able to take care of him.
Both principals in the contemplated
affair proceed to business. Coats and
vests are removed. Joe arranges his
attire Just as in the gymnasium, plac-
',g the footholds over his shoes, tight
ening a belt around his waist, and fas-
tening up both sleeves.
The baron observes his movements
with a curiosity that shows itself upon
his face. He discovers that his Amer
ican antagonist knows more than he
gives him credit for, and perhaps for
the first time the startling thought
flashes through his brain that this
man may be a revelation to him.
His practical eye takes in the Won
derful wlist of Mynheer Joe and the
superb forearm. These points give
promise Of, astonishing supple sword
play if in the possession of a master.
The baron feels concern-something
that never bothered him before when
about to enter a little affair of this
kind, for the duello has been a pas
time to the Russian, feeling that he
was a sure winner from the start.
Both are now ready.
Their seconds place them, and rs
there is really no advantage in the
ground, this requires little effort.
"One moment before we begin" 1t
is Mr.. Grimes who speaks, and all
eyes are at once turned upon him.
"Let us understand the conditions of
this affair. Will the gentlemen's
honor be satisfied with first blood, or
is it to be duel to the death?"
The baron opens his mouth to de-
clare for the latter, remembering the
disgrace put upon him when the wine
was dashed into his face. Just then
his eyes rest upon the countenance
of the American. What is it in Myn-
heer Joe's looks that causes a spasm
to pass through the frame Of the duel
ist? He hardly knows himself, save
that for perhaps the first time in his
life he has had an undeniable twinge
of fear.
"The first disabling wound will sat
fsfy me-" says the baron, c61dly, Sc
cretly meaning that when he himself
gives this it shall be the coup de
grace through his foeman's heart.
Mynheer Joe inclines his head.
"What the Russian says suits me.
I am ready for any conditions" he re-
marks.
1T is understood, gentlemen, a dis
abling wound brings the little affair
to termination, and we, the seconds,
are to be the judges. Are you ready
for business?" calls Mr.. Grimes.
Both swc-dsmen assume favorite
positions and make affirmative re-
sponses. Mr.. Grimes mods his head
TO the Frenchman.
Begin" calls that worthy, sharply.
Hardly has the world left his lips
than the swordblades kiss with q
ringing sound, and the extraordinary
duel among the hills Of Mokkatam has
begun. 1t is the baron who assaults:
ne is eager to discover the mettle of
mis- antagonist, and throws some fire
into his attack, though not forgetting
to keep his guard intact, and retain
some reserve.
The spectators group around. and
prepare to witness one of the most
astonishing scenes that ever took place
upon the bank of the historical Nile.
1t does not take an experienced
swordsman long to learn that he has
met 4 foeman worthy Of his steel. and
ere they have been at it ten seconds
the Russian allows look of surprise
to he seen upon his face.
ih'o 10 su|Seeueu ny dH eAuiesSiou
of terrible ferocity. He has discovered
the caliber of his antagonist, and is
more than ever determined to kill him
then and there. Fortunately, the OBJ
ject Of this Solicitude has something
to say about this matter himself. and
ne speaks with no uncertain sound.
For DerhapS q minute or so, the
swords meet and writhe and twist
like cleaning snakes. Then the agile
baron springs back beyond reach. He
has failed in his first attempt. What