CanÌƒon City record. [volume] (CanÌƒon City, Colo.) 1883-192?, 1901-08-22

might breathe more freely. He had
been upon the ground but few
minutes when the other party came
in sight around the head of the
river.
As soon as the count and his Sec
ond arrived and the horses had been
secured the lieutenant proposed that
they should repair to the building
which was close at hand. This was
large open boathouse which was
unused and deserted in the winter,
and it was proposed to go in there
because the reflection of the strong
sunlight from the bright snow was
calculated 10 blind and blur the eye.
"Hal What means that?" uttered
Orsa as he saw sledge just turning
the bend of the river with an officer
in it.
at is only a surgeon" replied
Damonoff. 81 would not cut a
mans flesh without giving him a
fair chance to survive it"
"And then you may find him
serviceable to yourself, eh 2" sug-
gested the lieutenant.
"0f 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 he
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. | dine with Olga
today, and a fair maiden awaits my
coming"
"Noiice him not" whispered Or
sa. who walked close by Ruric's side.
"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 eff
forts will find their point in the
muscle oil nv arui-
The party halted when they
reached the interior Of the rough
structure, and the count threw off
his pelisse and drew his sword. Ru-
ric followed his example,
"Sir count" the latter said as he
moved step forward. "cre 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
proyocation from me you have in
suited me most grossly. and this is
| the climax. So. before God and
man, be the resul, upon your own
head"
"out. lying knave"-
"Hold." cried the surgeon. LAYING
his hand heavily upon the counts
arm. "Iou have no right TO speak
thus. for you lower yourself when
you do il. II you have come to fight,
do so tonorably."
An angry reply was upon Damo-
noir's lips. bat he did not speak it.
lie iurgod TO his antagonist and
sLld
"Nt.i voH measure weapons. sir !?
Mine may be mite the longest. !
seek no advantage, and have one
here Of the same length and weight
as INV own il you wish it."
Il am well satisfied as il is" re-
piled Ruric.
"Then take your ground. Are you
ready" 2"
81 am"
The two swords were crossed in
an instant. with a clear, sharp clang.
Thrrr vti- some contrast between
~, .'.' rnmhninnts. but not much
The count was little
rad RGric was somewhat
i to a close observer
peculiar contrast in tn,
eis of the two men. That
swelling out SO nobly and
1ssive shoulders. made for
the scat of physical power, were Ru-
RIGS alone TO possess. Yet Conrad
Damonoff WIS accounted a strong
man In the athletic sports of the
court club he had few superiors and
not many equals. But Ruric 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 notic-
ed the calm, digniiied, quiet ease
of every limb and as he caught the
deep, mystic FIRE of those expressive
eyes he knew that he had no COM