The Princeton union., 1901-02-28
when the prince. followed 81; Won Wal.l

when the prince, followed By Won Wal.a
den, entered.
Pardon me-" he said, "for having
made you wait
Permit me-" said 1, rising, ITO pre-,
sent my second. Mr. Pembroke, his
highness Prince Ernst Of Wortum-:
borg
And the four Of US left the inn and.
crossed the field. The first shot fell
to me. Pembroke's eyes beamed with
exultant light. Won -Walden's face
was without expression. AS for the
prince, he still wore that banteringi
smile. He was confident Of the end.
He knew that I was tyro, whereas
he had faced death many times. L
sighed. I knew that should not aim
to take his life. 1 was absolutely with
out emotion. There was not the slight
est tremble in my hand as 1 accepted
the pistol. There is nothing like set
purpose to still the tremors Of mans
nerves. thought of Hillars, and for
moment my arm stiffened; then re-
called Gretchen's last letter. I fell to
wondering where The bullet would hit
me. I prayed that his aim might be
sure.
"Many persons think that am a
man without compassion," said the
prince, as we were about to step to our
places. II have an abundance of it,
You have everything to lose, and I
have nothing to gain. If it is your de-:
sire, shall be happy to explain that
you wish to withdraw. But say the
word.''
He knew what my reply would be.
"Withdraw," said I, "and have you
laugh at me and tell your friends that
l acted the poltroon? Really, you do
me injustice.'
"And do you hate me so very much?"
mockery in his eyes.
"Not now. I did hate you, but hatred
is a thing we should not waste any
more than love. I have taken the bird
and the nest from your hands; that is
more than enough. You are merely an
object for scorn and contempt and in
difference now. No; have no wish to
Withdraw"
"You read between the lines," he
said. Indeed, should like nothing
better than to have the privilege of
calling you poltroon and a coward
and to tell your princess of it." He
sauntered back to his place leisurely.
"Aim the slightest to the left" 'whis.
pered Pembroke; "the wind will carry
it home"
pressed his hand. A moment later
I stood facing the prince l lifted the
pistol and fired. Had the prince been
ten feet to the right he must have been
bit. threw the smoking pistol aside,
let my arms fall and waited. I could
see that Pembroke was biting his lip to
hide his anxiety and disappointment.
Slowly the prince leveled the weapon
at my breast. Naturally I shut my,
eyes. Perhaps there was prayer on
my lips. God, how long that wait SEEM
ed to me! It became so tedious that
opened my eyes again. The pistol arm
OF the prince appeared to have frozen
in the air.
1T is getting cold" l cried "Shoot,
for Gods sake shoot, and end it!'
took the pistol by the barrel and flung
it at my feet. The rest of US looked on
dumfounded
"They are all of the same kidney,
count, these r Americans" said he.
"They would be dangerous as nation
were it not for their love of money.
Then to me, "Go tell your princess that
have given your life to YOU"
'The devil take you" l cried The
strain had been terrible.
"An in good time," retorted the
prince, getting into his coat and furs.
Yesterday morning had every inten-
tion Of killing you. This morning it
was farthest from my thoughts, though
did hope to see you waver. You are
a man of courage. So was your friend.
1t is to be regretted that we were on
different sides. Devil take the women!
Good morningr'
After the count had gathered up the
pistols the two walked toward the inn.
Pembroke and followed them at a
distance.
Il wonder if he had any idea Of what
a poor shot you were?" mused Penn
broke. ut was very good farce"
IL aimed ten feet to the right" said
l.
"What?"
- "Yes."
'Then you knew
Pembroke" said l, II had no inten-s
ton of killing him or even woundingk
him. And l never expected to leavG
this place alive. Something has occur-s
red during the last "a hours which we
do not understand -
"He was taking great risks"
1T shows the man he u.s." said l, and
the remainder of the distance was gone
in silence.
The carriages were in the road a
short way from the inn. Pembroke
and got into ours. AS the prince
placed foot on the step Of his be turn
ed once more to me.
r Pardon me-" he said, s'but I came
~R|4A