The Lamar register., 1902-04-09

Prusslan leader slashed and hewed IN
the endeavor to down him in the
schlager combat of the arena. but Hoh-
man promised to enliven matters
speedily enough.
He was rapidly working himself up
to white heat. when an explosion
would follow.
Meanwhile the good lady OF the
house had introduced the young people
and at least Paul might henceforth
have the privilege of addressing Hill
degarde upon their meeting. unless she
took up Hoffman's quarrel and cut him
direct.
Knowing what was coming Paul ac-
tually felt relieved when the man OF
bandages advanced to have his little
say.
Hoffman was a man whose talents
lay somewhat in the line OF oratory
Consequently. when he let loose his
walls of wrath upon the American he
said some very bitter things In MS
tongue lashing.
The ladies were aghast.
Paul smiled through it all.
Wearying at length of the TRADE.
which he could not answer. he put up
his hand as If to signal that enough
had been said.
And Hoffman actually stopped,
though in all probability it was more
on account of his lack of breath than
any desire to humor his enemy that
influenced him.
Having gained the floor, Paul stated
his case in frank and manly way.
calculated to gain the respect OF the
gentler sex.
Ladies, am sure you will believe
me If | say | had not the remotest
suspicion when | came here tonight
that | should find this gentleman pres
ent, or that he was connected with
you in any manner whatsoever.
unfortunately he chose to take Of
fense in the concert garden recently,
accusing my friend and myself of an
action of which We were entirely inno-
cent, and as you doubtless know there
followed the passage-at-arms in which
/ had to take part.
81 do not regret my action IN the
premises, but deem 1t my misfortune
that | should have been compelled TO
disfgure any relative of yours. Since
nv presence here is evidently unwel-
come to Mynheer Hoffman, | shall in
sist upon withdrawing myself without
further ceremony"
The effect of this manly speech was
evident from the fact that both ladies'
smiled upon him.
Seeing which. the miserable Hon-
man smartipg in the bitterness of his
first defeat, snarled;
"One of you did insult the lady, and
n German knows how to resent such
things"
Then II was the American turned
upon him with flashing eyes, fully
aroused.
II say you know that is base lie.
since you snould be aware of tt, sacred
bond between that young woman and
myself-that | would sooner cut my
right hand off than offer her the
slightest harm. will even go further
| and solemnly declare, as you well
know in your cowardly soul, that your
presence in her society was the basest
insult she could receive. l shall stand
| by these words always.
And now, ladies, since this scene is
painful to you and to me. permit me
| to retire with the hope that possibly
we may meet again under other and
more agreeable conditions"
Hoffman looked almost as white in
the face as the bandage that padded
his split cheek.
Evidently he knew to what Paul re-
ferred, and the consciousness cut him
to the quick.
He glided over to the door, and as
the other, having bowed politely to the
ladies, was passing through. the Ieu-
ton said in low but passionate tone:
This is only the beginning between
u.s.
(To be continued)