The Holly chieftain., 1902-04-11

And whom The lady entered. present.
", With apologies for keeping him wait
ing, Paul was himself again, resolved
to play his part to the bitter end. NO
matter what the cost.
After . few minutes conversation
the good lady begged him to excuse
her for = brief interval while she
brought her niece into the room. say
ing she kplw the young people woulc
BE- frispd since they seemed to have
many Views In common.
The time. then, had come the fate
full moment which but short while
back he had been anticipating 10
eagerly. while now. alas. he dreaded 1t
still more.
He felt his courage oozing from his
finger tips when Hildesarde entered
with her aunt. aud he saw the sudden
wave Of crimson that suifused her face
and neck ~ she caught q first sight Of
him.
All! that telltale color would have
brought amazing satisfaction to Paul
but for the wretched discovery he had
made.
Then he saw Hoffman. bandages and
all. looming hp In the doorway. Paul
was quite composed and ready to give
and take fully as cheerfully as he had
done when, sword In hand, the Saxo-
Prussian leader slashed and hewed IN
the endsavor to down him in the
schlaxer combat Of the arena but Hofe-
man promised to enliven matters
speedily enough
He was rapidly working himself up
10 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 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 his
tongue lashing. 4
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 II 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', l am sure you will believe
me II I say had not the remotest
suspicion when came here tonight
that should nnd 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 we were entirely inno-
cent, and as you doubtless know there
followed the passage-at-arms in which
had to take part.
II do not regret my action in the
premises, but deem 1t 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:
"One Of you did insult the lady and
German knows how to resent such
things"
Then it was the American turned
upon him with flashing eyes. fully
aroused.
II say you know that is base lie,
since you should be aware of the 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 solemnIy declare. as you well
know in your cowsrdly soul. that your