The National tribune. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1877-1917, 1902-06-12


it is not likely that Lady Stanford would
| be overcome with grief if she should
learn of this affair tonight. She hates and
| fears me, Hal; but there's one thing that
strengthens me-that always has. My
wife's the soul of honor, and-she'H not
dishonor me-"
When the two spoke again it was of
other things-Oe the cloud that had come
over the moon, Of the comparative tenn
per of their swords. and of the merits of
certain Spanish blade.
Lord Stanford had gone out for turn
upon the terrace, for it was close inside;
and st. James was staring out into the
night.
| There was sound, and he turned
quickly. Stanford was standing in the
doorway, holding by the knob, swayins,
very pale.
Hal" said he in hoarse whisper, as
he fell heavily into a chair, Hair
| st. James ran to his friend, then bacl,
again TO a table on which stood wine and
glasses. In his fright and haste he spilled
| half glassful over the side before he
| filed one. Stanford drained the glass at
gulp.
Good heavens, man. hast seen
ghostT' asked st. James nervOusly.
| Lord Stanford looked at him with bag
gard eyes. His lips formed words that
came slowly. I've seen my wife's win
dow-a ladder! Good God! Hal-she's
gomez he cried in agony.
| 1t seemed long time before he spoke
again; then he sprang up, and snatching
up his cloak. started bareheaded toward
the door. st. James caught his arm
You can't oveIIake them now!" he cried,
Juggling at his sleeve.
| NO." said the other, shaking him off
roughly; but / am going now to do the
kindest thing l ever did for her-what
should have done before. l shall be dead
before tomorrow. But 1 will die hardr'
Like fash, he was out Of the door and
on his horse. Only once he spoke, leaning
from the saddle toward his friend
If yOn thwart me now in this, I'll kill
myself" said he.
And so they rode at full gallop out
into the night
The place that Lord Stanford's antag-
Ionist had chosen for the duel was well
known throughout the country; and it was
said the soil was rich with the blood sac.
rificed to honor, or brute anger, in that
spot. Nevertheless, there was no horror
in the place itself, for the sward was
smooth and beautiful as tennis court,
the trees around it calm and patriarchal,
the CLASSY lake beyond it very peaceful.
The tipsy moon was half hidden behind
lue tietS NHtu LoTu SStaulOFu ana MS
friend threw themselves from their pant
ing horses and came forward into the
clear space to find that the field was al.
ready occupied, and that as yet there was
no sign of Stanford's enemy. Stanford
was biting his nails with Impotence, tn.
furrow on his brow deepening with every
minute of delay, but st. James brcathed
more freely. He told himself that his
desperate friend would probably have 10
MT ttsy oh,
, determination.
:. hall we go nearer" he suggested
ST. .erd shook his head.
we no mind to stand by watching a
, man killing a boy" said he; and turned
away and stood leaning his back against
, the trunk of a huge tree.
The click Of meeting swords, however
ly forward and stood, watching, beside his
, friend.
God grant that this affair may inter
, est him. SO he forget his own"' murmureG
st. James fervently.
: In the open. two men were thrustine
5 and parrying with great dexterity; but st
James doubted if the contest would las,
S long. He could see both of the combat
ants in profile, and distinctly enough tc
t know that one was large man, of middle
] age, with pointed beard and long mus
e tachios. and that the other was a smooth
, faced boy, QUICK and graceful, but more
a 1.-the than strong, and white as linen il
: the moonlight. He was pressed hard, ant
r his breath was failing, and little gasI
n broke from him as his adyersary's poin
q just touched his shoulder. The second.
e and surgeon standing near leaned for
], ward, breathless. but st. James saw onI,
r the two combatants. Stanford plucket
4 him by the sleeve.
Poor little fool, he's fighting in hi
i ruffles. There! they caught No-there
$ Well thrust, youngster! But he cam
o keep it up. Ali"
!, A quick lunge of the older man, a flasi
a Of driven steel, scream OF mingled pair
!, and terror, and the boy reeled backward
into the arms OF his second, fainting.
. With great cry Of rage and horror
I Stanford sprang toward the two. Clear
t ing the space between them at q bound
he snatched the fainting form from the
r other and clasped it .lose.
"Kate.' he cried, "Kate--my soul"