The Red Cloud chief., 1902-05-09
CHATTER ".
And the Professor, Too.

Perhaps it was a rash resolyc-pos-
sibly Charlie Stuart should have ac-
cepted the baron's well-meant warn
ing for its full value. and have LETT
Antwerp by tho first train. But II was
only the WORD of the baron against
MS W powers Of perspicacity. and
Charlie did not see why he should
yield so easily.
In other words, he was not ready to
believe in the story the wonderful
baron had related. without more
abundant proof.
Perhaps he might even doubt II until
the action of airline Brand convinced
him OF her guilt. or her " sweet
lips confessed 1t.
That was Charles idea OF friend
ship.
With the disappearance Of the baron
from the scene, Charlie supposed the
show was over for the morning.
He was mistal en-.
While he stood there on the curb, a
prey to distrac,.ng thoughts. he was
being closely watched by a nan who
"a wv" IVhhbihS JNSl lhSIN' NV 'h
trance of the Steen courtyard.
When Stuart started to move away,
the gentleman appeared to lose the
last vestige of control which he pos
sessed.
He ran after the rctreating figure.
The patter of footsteps just behind
him naturally caused Charlie to half
turn; perhaps he thought it might
be the baron. with yet another choice
bit of information with which to add
to his stock of c~heerfulness, or mayhap
Artemus DESTROYS of Overtaking him.
He was Immediately u~ndeceived.
A florid-faced gentleman, who look
ed as though he might have been DIAL
lying with the wine too long, but with
hot passion glowing in his eyes, was
close upon him.
Even az Charlie stepped back a pace,
thinking the man was drunk. or in a
great hurry to catch IA train, to his in
tense surprise the stranger slapped
into Charles face a pair of Kid gloves
he carried.
Luckily, Stuart had a cool head for
one of his race, or they would have
had 1t out then and there in the re-
spectacle street OF the Steen.
He saw that the nan had a griev-
ance, though utterly in the dark as TO
what its nature might be.
See here! Who are you?' asked
Charlie.
AHA, am Herr Professor Richter
Of Dresden"
Charlie shook his head.
Still | am cropping in the dark. 70
my knowledge | never had the pleas
ure of meeting you. professor"
The German scowled angrily.
Which Is one good thing for you.
sir; and now that you have met me.
you shall give me the satisfaction OF
q gentleman. Tomorrow morning 1t
must be. with pistols-Or do you prefer
swords? Blood alone car wipe out the
base insult
Suppose you tell me, Herr Profess
sor, how I have offended you. Surely.
Il could not be a matter serious enough
to call for a duel"
How" roared the German, dancing
up and down. his Eyes glaring, his
hands working as though eager to
clutch the others throat. After des-
troying my honor, you profess ignor-
ance, s%coundrel! Then | will tell you,
even though every gossip In Antwerp
learn of my shame. BY running away
with my wife,"
WHAT"
Charlie was so staggered by the &C
cusation that he could hardly catch his
breath.
He had passed through some
strange experiences during his life,
but this was really the first time he
had ever been accused of such an es-
capade.
But, Herr Professor, ] swear to
Won I never set eyes upon the lady in
question"
"You lie. rascal! Did | not with my
own eyes see you put her in the car
riage, and stand there watching her
drive away! You are guilty."
Poor Charlie felt as limp as a dish
rag.
This connection with Artemus and
his irrepressible dramatic fever was
bringing about the most agonizing e.
suits.
well. all ! say is, ! must have done
II in my sleep. But | gave you my
word. and il | cannot prove my in
nocence. | will give you the satisfac-
lion you demand"
Tomorrow, at sunrise?" eagerly.
"As you say. There is my card, pro-
fessor. Leave the particulars at my
hotel"
Stuart stood looking after the learn
ed disciple.
"She the wife of that bow-legged
beayy-brained scholar? Perish the
thought! There is another Internal
mistake about 1t. This queer old town
Is all upset, it seems"
Then he suddenly remembered the
card she had given him, with her adj
dress; as he had not thought to look
3,it, so he hastily drove into his peck
ef and drew out the case In which ht
had placed it fresh from ner hand
only to receive a sad shock as he
roo6'