The Red Cloud chief., 1902-01-24

Prusslan leader slashed And hexed in
the endeavor to down him in the
schlager combat OF the arena, but Hoff-
man promised to cnllven matters
speedily enough.
He was rapidly working himself up
TO a 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 &C
tually felt relieved when the man OF
bandages advanced to have his little
say.
Hoffman was q man whose talents
lay somewhat in the line of oratory.
walls of wrath upon the American he
said some very bitter things in his
tongue lashing.
The ladies were aghast.
Paul smiled through 1t all.
Wcarying 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 III all probability 1t vas 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 a frank and manly way,
calculated to gain the respect OF the
gentler sex.
Ladies, | am sure you will believe
me II l say | had not the remotest
suspicion when ! came here tonight
that l should find this gentleman pres
ent, or that he was connected with
YOU in any manner whatsoever.
Unfortunately he chose to take Of
Tense in the concert garden recently.
accusing my friend and myself Of an
action OF which Ne 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 II my misfortune
that | should have been compelled to
disfigure any relative OF yours. Since
my presence here is evidently unwel-
come to Mynheer Hoffman, I 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, smarting in the bitterness of his
first defeat, snarled:
lone OF you did insult the lady, and
a German knows how to resent such
things"
Then il was the American turned
upon him with flashing eyes, fully
aroused.
II say you know that Is a base lie
since you should be aware of tt, sacred
bond between that young woman ant
myself-that I would sooner cut my
right hand off than offer her thu
slightest harm. | will ever go furthel
and solemnly declare, as you wei
kHON III youl Wy 'oohr s""N o
presence in her society was the bases
insult she could receive. ! shall stant
by these words always.
And now. ladies', since this scene II
painful to you and to me. permit mt
to retire with the hope that possibl,
we may meet again under other anC
more ag, eeable conditions"
Hoffman looked almost as white II
the face as the bandage that PADDED
his split cheek.
Evidently he knew to what Paul re
ferTed, and the consciousness cut hin
to the quick.
He glided over to the door, and a
the other, having bowed politely to tn
ladies, vas passing through, the Teu
ton said in a low but passionate tone
This is only the beginning between
u.s."
(To be continued.)