Yorkville enquirer. [volume] (Yorkville, S.C.) 1855-2006, 1901-02-23
Copyright, 1900, by Harold McGrath.
CHAPTER XII.

now. and the yellow light OF 1t came In
to the window and illumined the grim
face of the innkeeper. throwing gro
tesque shadow of him on to the floor.
The leaves rustled and purred against
the caves. AS the branches moved so
did the light and darkness move over
the innkeeper's visage. He was silent
and meditative.
IAN epic" said.
"An epic"
"Innkeeper." said l, III / give you
my word of honor not to molest you or
leave this room will you let me be a
witness"
He passed into the gloom, then back
into the light. This Is no trick" sus-
piciously. Il have deal of regard for
my old bones, old as they are"
ION my honor"
"Well. Ill do it. 1t Is in the blood Of
us all. But a false move on your part,
and promise you that this knife shall
find resting place In you
He cut the ropes. and was free.
But my arms ached. The two Of US
took our stand by the window and
waited for the principals In the drama
about to be enacted In the clearing.
confess that my conscience was Ill at
ease. Why knew not. | was dread
ing something, knew not what. The
innkeeper's hand trembled on my arm.
"Sh! They come" he whispered.
As l looked beyond his finger saw
four figures advance over the sward.
One Of them, slight boyish form, was
new to me. The fellow walked briskly
along, at the side Of Stahlberg, who
was built on the plan of Hercules.
When they came to the clearing. they
stopped. The seconds went through
the usual formalities Of testing the
temper of the swords. Somehow |
could not keep my eyes off the young
ster who was going to do battle with
the veteran, and could not help Won
dering where In the world he had CONS
from and why In the world he had
chosen this place to settle his dispute
In. There were plenty Of convenient
places In the village in and around the
barracks. He took his position. back to
me, so | could not tell what he was
like. The moon shone squarely In the
lieutenant's face, upon which was an
expression Of contempt mingled with
confidence. My heart thumped. for
had never seen q duel before.
II do not know where you came
FROM" l heard the lieutenant say, "but
you managed nicely to pick quarrel.
It Is all on your own head. 1t Is too
bad that cur Of an Englishman had to
run away"
The innkeeper's knife was so close
that could feel the point of it against
my ribs. So gave up the wild idea Of
yelling from the window that hadn't
run away. The lieutenant's opponent
shrugged. He placed himself on guard.
That was his reply. Suddenly the two
sprang forward, and the clash Of
swords followed | could not keep
track Of the weapons. but could see
that the youngster was holding his
own amazingly we'll. Neither was
touched the first bout.
1.-TWO minutes" murmured the old
rascal at my side. 1T will be over this
time"
You seem to have good deal Of
confidence In your man." sold |.
There Is not finer sworGS--Swords-
man in the kingdom. or OH the conti-
uent for that matter. There. they are
at It again.
Step by step the lieutenant gave
ground. The ciaShing had stopped 1t
was needlelike work now. Gradually
they began to turn around. The blades
flashed in the mOonShine like heat
lightning. My pulse attuned itself to
every stroke. heard laugh, 1t was
full of Scorn. The laugh--it recalled to
me a laugh had heard before. Evi-
IDENTIFY the youngster was PLAYING with
the veteran. | became fascinated. And
while the innkeeper and ! watched a
curious thing happened. Something
seemed to be slipping from the young
ster's head. He tried to put up his free
hand. but the lieutenant was making
furious passes. 4 food of something
dimly yellow suddenly fell about the
lads shoulders. Oh. then knew! With
& Snarl of rage took the innkeeper by
the throat and hurled him. knife and
ALL to the floor. dashed from the room,
thence to the stairs. down which !
leaped four ut a time. Quick as was,
1,t,, Il
lay on the grass. and he was clasping
his shoulder. with the sweat Of agony
on his brow.
"A woman" he groaned. a WON,
an Then he tottered and fell in the
arms Of his subordinate He had faint
ed.
This will make pretty story"
cried the young officer as he laid his
superior lcngthwise and tried to
stanch the flow of blood. Here's q
man who runs away and lets woman
God knows what sOrt-fght his duels
for him. the cur
never looked at him. but Went
straight to Gretchen. Stahlberg gave
me a questioning glance and made q
move as though to step between.
"Stand aside man. snapped
"Gretchcn. you have diShonored me-"
1T were better than to bury you,
lightly. Il assure you he caused me nc
little eXertiOn."
Yet her voice shook, and she shud
dered as she cast aside the sword.
You have made a laughing stock OF
me. am a man and can fight my owr
battles," | said sternly. My God,
breaking down suddenly. "supposinG
YOU had been killed.
1T was not possible. And the maj
insulted me. not you. A woman! Very