The Holly chieftain., 1902-04-04

Of his disgrace, where the papers
Knocked his ahame, and grief with
theories and false scandals.
'.we went to Texas. where he
bought . ranch, and there In that
Wild life l learned how to ride and
shoot and do good many things that
cowboys pick up.
"A year or more ago found my
self an orphan-he was lost with
others In that terrific blixzard that
swept through Texas-the most heroic
search failed to ind one Of the party,
and all hope was finally abandoned.
by degrees there came upon me q
two-fold desire that grew stronger ~
the months passed. This purpose was
to visit Germany and to seek my sister
II she were yet living.
Il would not confess then. but !
know now. there was another motive
that urged me on-and this. revenge!
"Often in secret had cursed the
author OF our shame. and registered
vow to some day pay him or his back
for every hour of agony my poor
father suffered through his duplicity.
We knew they had gone to Ger
many. and 1t was the vague hope of
meeting this treacherous friend that
really lured me here. That in nut
shell is the skeleton story Of my life.
"It is wonderful" said Karl; but
you did not make any effort to speak
to her"
THAT time is not yet ripe. I must
learn more about her, more about her
mother, and what relations she bears
to that mani"
"But-Hoiffman-I do not under
stand"
He Is his son-the man was wid-
over when he stabbed my father in
the back. I have his picture, hand
some devil he was, surely, and the
boy promises to be the same unless
some steady and cunning hand man
ages to mar his looks"
His manner as he said this was
almost ferocious-the wrongs of years
had burned in his heart until the seat
of life had become like q young vesu-
vius.
And Karl Won Stettin understood
the easerness that was In his soul
What Is It you would know of Bea-
trix!" he asked, presently.
Tell me everything. AZ am In
complete ignorance"
THAT ID little enough. She lives
with the lady you saw, her aunt, she
calls her. and known to us as hand
some Waldeck."
"And her name-Beatrix what?"
"Stannard."
"It was my mothers maiden name.
Tell me, do you know aught Of her
have you ever heard Beatrix mention
her?"
"once she said her mother was
dead"
A spasm passed over Paul's face
that was all.
God forgive her. a. do. But as
to him-the traitorous hound, may he
be rewarded through his son. whose
actions shall sting his pride sharper
than serpent's tooth"
You are determined to hght him,
in spite Of the fact that he is the bully
Of the university, . devil with the
sword who has never yet been
beaten?" asked Karl, eagerly.
"At the very hrst opportunity"
calmly, ~ he looked around a. though
in search Of the offender.
Speak Of the dewitt" said Karl.
"Yonder he comes now, and heading
straight this way. !, BY my soul. there
10 blood in his eye, too. never saw
Hoffman look 30 savage"
THAT il good--it makes 1t easier" !"
muttered Paul grimly. with the air Of
man who sees all things within his
grasp.
Straight up to the table at which
the friends sat came the saxo-Prus-
sian, scowllng like . dragoon.
s'one Of you ours presumed to insult
. hdy In my company-which one
was It'll demand satisfaction" he
clustered.
Paul looked him calmly In the eye.
lid the lady complaint" he asked,
quietly.
mot at all; but have eyes. and
could see she was deeply disturbed
by some gesture I imagine your COM
panion. who ID insanely Jealous Of me.
made"
"You are mistaken. Herr Hoffman.
Neithcr Of u made the slightest ges-
ture. But zee you are spoiling for
trouble. In my country We are al