Idaho Springs siftings., 1902-08-02
CHAPTER ".
AND the Professor. Zoo.


ing for its full value. and have left
Antwerp by the first train. But it was
only the word of the baron against
his own 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 it until
the action of Airline Brand convinced
him of her guilt, or her own sweet
lips confessed it,
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 mistaken.
While he stood there on the curb. a
prey to distracting thoughts, he was
being closely watched by a man who
had been lounging just inside the en-
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 retreating 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 cheerfulness, or mayhap
Artemus desirous of overtaking him.
He was Immediately undeceived.
A fiorid-faced gentleman, who look
ed as though he might have been dal-
lying with the wine too long, but with
hot passion glowing in his eyes, was
close upon him.
Even as Charlie stepped back pace,
thinking the man was drunk, or in a
great hurry to catch a train, to his in
tense surprise the stranger slapped
into Charles face pair of kid gloves
he carried.
Luckily, Stuart had cool head for
one of his race, or they would have
had it out then and there in the re-
spectacle street of the Steen.
He saw that the man had griev-
ance, though utterly in the dark as TO
what it's nature might be.
"see here! Who are you?" asked
Charlie.
aha! am Herr Professor Richter
of Dresden"
Charlie shook his head.
Still l am cropping in the dark. To
my knowledge l 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
a gentleman. Tomorrow morning it
must be, with pistols-or do you prefer
swords? Blood alone can wipe out the
base insult"
Suppose you tell me. Herr Profess
sor, how / have offended you. Surely,
it could not be matter serious enough
to call for 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, scoundrel! Then l will tell you,
even though every gossip in Antwerp
learn of my shame. By running away
with my wife,"
N"What?"
" Charlie was so staggered by the ac-
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, l swear to
you 1 never set eyes upon the lady in
question"
'You lie, rascal! Did l 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 dish
rag.
This connection with Artemus and
his irrepressible dramatic fever was
bringing about the most agonizing e.
suits
well, all l say is, must have done
1t in my sleep. But l gave you my
word, and if l cannot prove my in
nocence, l will give you the satisfac-
ton you demand"
Tomorrow, at sunrise?" eagerly.
LAS you say. There is my card, pro-
fessor. Leave the particulars at my
hotel"