Vernon County censor. [volume] (Viroqua, Wis.) 1865-1955, 1902-07-30
OHApTER III.-lContinued.l

4 "a 4
That very evening Captain Grant was
made the recipient of a letter purport!nS
10 come from Roger Darrell in which
the time, place and weapons were named:
When the early dawn came, his second
was with him, and together they set out
for the place appointed as rendezvous.
At some time in the dim past It mad
been ground consecrated to burial pur-
poses, and the weeping willows sun
swayed their long slender branches over
a few stones that were half hidden IN the
tall, rank grass.
Hardly had they come TO pause when
couple of forms appeared among the
trees and advanced to where they were
standing. To the surp Use Of the Captain
neither of these was Roger Darrell. Be
fore he could comment on this fact, how
ever, the strangers had arrived close TO
them.
One was a handsome man, the other
a tall. willowy youth. with small, dark
,mustacbe. The latter's hat was so ar
ranged as to hide part of his face, but
the flashing eyes seemed to pierce the
Captain through and through, and some
how he shivered as though seized with
the ague.
you are in time, gentlemen" said the
handsome man in a musical voice.
"We are well aware of that sir, but
how is this? l do not see your principal,
returned Lieut.. Carson.
''He is here" said the youth, quietly.
His words produced something Of a
sensation, and Lieut. Carson laughed.
''There is some mistake he said; we
came out to meet another"
'I'hat other will not be here, and in
order that the gentleman should not be
disappointed in meeting a Virginian my
friend here is willing to cross blades with
you" and the handsome man indicated
with his hand his comrade.
Captain Grant laughed aloud.
81 have passed through some strange
scenes in my life, but | assure you, gen
-tiemen, this beats them ALL What do
you take me for? My life is certainly
valuable 10 me at least; therefore, yOa
will pardon me If decline to risk it in
an engagement with one with whom !
have no quarrel"
The face of the youth redeemed trifle,
as though the voice Of the Captain, more
than the words he uttered, touched some
hidden chord deep in his heart
Are we to understand that you refuse
TO fight, them inquired the handsome
a stranger.
Exactly. II my foeman has been
yowardly enough to send some one in his
place"
4'Holdf' cried the youth, In a strangely
ssteH voice, Say no more. The gentle
imam never sent an answer to your chal-
4enge. Probably there will one come to-
day, but | mean to place you in condi-
tion where accepting it viii be out Of the
question. 1t was my friend who wrote
you, and l am here to keep my agree
Tnept You are a coward il you do not
eight me-" and he whispered a name in
the duelistS ear.
Your object is fully accomplished, my
friend. Who you are, and what the
cause of your enmity may be, know
not; but that is now a small matter with
me. see your friend has swords with
him. We will test their temper"
He took one of the blades offered to
him almost without a thought, and tried
1t over his knee They were of the
finest material. and the eyes of the duel
LIST lighted up with satisfaction when he
discovered this fact. for he loved good
sword above all things.
AT gwen siRnal the long sW Is
crossed. and the duel had begun. The
steel blades writhed, twisted. and
aqhirmed like so many serpents. and yet
&c well matched we're the two antago-
nists that it seemed impossible for either
Ito accomplish the desired result.
Like lightning finally the sword of the
stranger passed through the Captains
sword arm, and at almost the same mo-
Imant his blade was plucked from his
hand by a neat twist of the others wrist,
and sent whirling away among the grass
covered grayestones.
Then, while tue point Of the strangers
sword touched his breast. he saw him
gsise his hat an dexterously remove the
false mustache. 4 shower of ringleJs
fell about the white cock of the man OF
mystery.
Captain Grant glared ably at the
beautiful face.
''Your' he cried. ARE 80 alive and
here? What nightmare is th ;? Speak,
and tell me, Nora Warnerr'