The daily morning Alaskan., 1902-05-01
BETWEEN
 GENTLEMEN


 that they were on their bridal tour, but there were certain reasons why some of us did not believe it It made no difference that he was at least fifteen years her senior. but she seemed alto gether too melancholy for bride. She was a woman about twenty-elght years old and as handsome a one as you would meet in q weeks travel, but lt was evident that she had to force ev- cry smile that appeared on her face One night two days before we reached Naples she would have thrown herself overheard had not my berthmate been at hand to step her. but he did not speak of the matter to any one but me. When he had related the Incident, be added;
 "Its nothing to us who this couple are. but I've made up my mind that it's q case or elopement. The colonel is evidently an old bachelor, while she Is a wife"
 They were driven away in a carrlage when the steamer reached the city. and 1t was not for three or four days that l found by accident where they had gone. They were occupying a villa In the suburbs and seeming to shun publicity. met the colonel two or three times in my walks. but he look. cd straight into my face and made no sign of recognition. About ten days had passed and was out on the noun tain side one day when saw the colo mel approaching by q path from tho right. At the same moment second mau came up from the direction of town. and q moment later the three of us were standing together beside a large powder in an old vineyard. I had my eyes on both as they drew togeth- er They paid not the least attention to me. but bowed slightly to each oth- CT. and each changed color for an in- stant as they looked into each others eyes somehow felt that they knew each other. and the position became embarrassing for me. was about to pass on when the newcomer lifted his hand in protest and quietly said to tho other:
 T presume the lady is here in Naples with youT
 "She is," was the reply as the colo mel carelcsSly tnpDed the powder with bls cane
 And you were rather expecting meY"
 ooh. wellr'
 The men looked away from each other for a moment. The stranger was a much younger man. and his dress. looks and demeanor were proofs Of gentleman. It came to me that he must be the husband of the eloplng woman and that he had followed in pursuit. Only the flashing of his eyes told of the volcano raging within hls breast His face was as lmpassive as mask and his voice as even as if speaking to a frlend at tho club. He looked away over the fields for half minute and then turned and queried:
 "You will of course grant me satis- factlonT" n
 Certainly" replied the colonel, with q slight bow.
 Here and nowT %
 "wcll, I am not armed. but as early as you please In the mornlng."- z fo
 "Thanks-as soon after sunrise as you can make 1t convenient In the meantime"-
 "In the meantime I shall make all necessary arrangements" finished the colonel as he sanntered on.
 The other looked after him for awhile and then turned to me and Querled:
 "were you a fellow passenger of hls on the SoverelgnT
 "Yes."
 "Then you probably understand. l wish to avoid public gossip as much as possible. I shall Kill him here tomor- row morning. VIII you be present and sec that 1t is honorably doneT
 But the police"- 1 began, when he checked me with:
 "Money will silence them and gloss 1t over. Kindly let me expect you. Here is my card"
 During the first half of the evening made up my mind to have nothing fur ther to do with the affalr. but before going to bed I decided to follow lt up and the sun bad not been up above af- teen minutes when was at the bowl der. Colonel Dayton was already there. walking back and forth, and after naughty bow he gave me no further attention. The other came up ten min utes later, and they bowed to each oth- CT. Each had a pistol case under hls arm, and as they stopped over them l stepped off ten paces. There was no choice of positions. Each loaded his own weapon. and saw that both were gold handled reyolyers. They were not two minutes getting ready. and then my gentlemen nodded to each other and sauntered down to the rock mark. Ing the tenth pace did not exactly know what was required of me until both looked al me. Then 1 stepped aside and counted. "one-two-three- hrer The two reports were blended In one. and as Colonel Dayton dropped | ht. ,..o,,,c,,- and sank down Tho other