The Leon reporter., 1902-04-03

that Paul might have something Of an
opportunity to watch the others Tor
points ere his turn came. hs being
tho last. Az football is to American
and English college boys. 10 dueling 10
the height Of ambition on the Teuton's g
part.
Rhinelander eagerly watched the
solemn details OF the affairs that came
of before his own. since 1t was his de-
sire to profit by the experience.
He saw Hoffman cycling him hun
grily, "a wolf might lamb, and
knew the chief Of the valiant Saxo-
Prussian Korps was anxious to get at
him, yet Paul had not the slightest
fear as to the outcome, and even de-
cided in his mind just how he would
slash the other on the left cheek so
as to mar his exceedingly handsome
countenance.
When the time came for him to
enter the arena he felt as fierce and
remorseless as the panther that
crouches in tree over spring and
waits for thirsty deer.
At last he was to taste the sweets Of
revenge.
To strike, and in the name of his
dishonored and heart-broken father
this was a consummation devoutly to
be wished.
So he walked forward, supported by
Karl, another student and the doctor,
an Englishman, who had come to as
sist one of the regulars.
BE wary! / never saw such an
evil look on Conrad's face" whispered
anxious Karl
Rhinelander was to all appearances
as cool as the most solid native in
the den; as he received and tested his
sword not nerve seemed to tremble,
and those among the Rhine Korps
whose fears had been great because
they had one and all gone down in
turn before that wizard blade of the
Prussian began again to take fresh
courage under the belief that possibly
miracle had been wrought in their
behalf and champion discovered by
their chief before whom the proud
banner of their gloating rivals might
be trailed in the dust.
OF course Paul, as foreigner, could
not become Burschen, or full-fedged
korps stHdent, but he fought under
their colors, and each man took as
much interest in him as though he had
been initiated into the most mysteri-
GUS rituals of their secret order.
- The. hall was almost packed when
Hoffman s. turn came, an unusual
: thing by the way, and which he took
as a great compliment to himself,
Judging from the smirk upon his
face as he waved his hand to enthusi-
astic admirers in the audience.
Herr Hoffman seemed very gay.
Scores of eyes surveyed him with
hatred and venom, and should defeat
come his way all conventionalities
would be brushed aside in doing the
victor honor.
If ever those sturdy students prayed,
it was that the god of war would favor
the champion of their cause and hum
BILE the pride of the vainglorious Prus-
sian.
When all preliminaries had been
gone through with the rapiers came
together with clash that announced
the opening of the duel.
Hoffman's style was already we'll
known to every man, who had learned
to his sorrow how battling an attack
he put up.
Hence their attention was directed
toward his opponent, and every mo-
ton Paul made was eagerly scrutiniz-
ed by experienced eyes.
When several brief rounds had been
fought, during which he met Hoff-
mans attacks with an ease that aston
ished the champion, those who had
been most skeptical began to pluck
up heart and hold their breath with
awe.
ITO be continued.)