The Abbeville press and banner. [volume] (Abbeville, S.C.) 1869-1924, 1901-05-22

guine friend, but Sandy does not de-
ceiye himself. he knows what the
other has to face as we'll as Mr..
Grimes, who watched the baron WELD
a sword and shot with him at tar
get.
Mynheer Joe presently excuses him
self from the company. They under
stand his going, and do not wonder
at it. Any man who may be called
UPON at sunrise to face the Russian
duelist would be a fool to stupefy his
senses by lingering at a banquet Ia
BILE.
He is Immediately joined by Sandy
and the pseudo silver king, and the
three walk out under the stars to
talk. Joe is soon informed with re-
gard to all that Mr.. Grimes has
learned.
The three presently bring up at the
gymnasium, for it is the wish of the
latter gentleman that the explorer
shall show what he can do, so COM
parison may be drawn and a decision
rendered as to what Joe's course must
be when he receives the challenge ex-
pected.
A very few persons are present. MT.
Grimes speaks to the man in charge
and they are made welcome as friends
of the officers. The same professor
with whom the baron played is pres
ent, and with pleasure he agrees to
fence with the American, no doubt
believing he will have a chance to
recover his prestige, lost in the bout
with the baron that day.
When Mynheer Joe takes Off his
coat and vest and puts belt around
his waist he is ready for the affair.
Upon his feet be has drawn pair OF
rubber foot-holds that will keep him
from slipping.
He bares his right arm, and Sandy
sees the professor glance at his su-
perb biceps as though pleased. Then
the man of foils takes his wrist and
feels it.
"a wonderful arm. monsieur" he
says, with kindling eyes. with prac-
tice you should be magnificent
swordsman."
$50 old Duval used to tell me- re-
plies Joe.
"Ah, sacre! You take lessons from
him, re greatest master in Paris. Per-
haps 1 shall not be able to have re
revenge after all"
Meanwhile Joe rolls up his left shirt
sleeve in the same way, an action the
professor regards with concern, but
which Mr.. Grimes takes to mean
what he has fondly hoped.
Ready, professor?"
The foils click and begin to writhe
like snakes, passing in and out with
the rapidity Of thought. Sandy and
Mr.. Grimes stand near by. They have
q deeper interest in this engagement
than appears on the surface.
After looking on for a minute, Mr..
Grimes heaves a sigh of relief.
He'll do, Sandy. III stake my life
on him, even against the Russian.
Watch that magnificent play Of the
wrist. Heavens! I've seen man
WELD q sword before, but never like
that. Hark! What does he say-that
he finds himself rusty and sluggish.
Deuce take it, what can he do when
in trim, then? Note the poor profes
sor. He actually LOOKS scared. His
revenge doesn't pan out very we'll
does it? I think III have to give
him a turn myself to make him feel
good"
Thus the usually taciturn Mr..
Grimes rattles on, while Sandy can
hardly keep quiet.
"Jove! He tosses his weapon into
his left hand. Again he is at the pro-
fessor like q tiger. The poor devil
has had the button against his heart
a dozen times. What dye think OF
that left-handed play, old fellow"
laughs Sandy.
His companion sQueezes his hand,
for once, showing excitement.
II feel as jolly as if an old uncle
had died and left me his fortune. The
baron will meet his match. 1t will be
royal battle. No danger of our
Joe getting hurt. Yes, no matter how
we'll he uses the firearms, I shall rec
ommend swords. The other way both
may be killed; here, wounds are more
possible. Swords are gentlemen's
weapons, truly. Look! He hunts the
professor-he has him utterly demor.
alized-he throws down his foil and
holds up his hand! Enough, gentle.
men,
It is as Mr. Grimes has said. The
Frenchman has been ratified until he
can no longer use his weapon. He
laughs good-naturedly.
"Monsieur must have his little joke
He is rusty this night. What of me?"
he exclaims, shaking Joe's hand.
ITO be Continued