The Kinsley graphic. [volume] (Kinsley, Kan.) 1890-1940, 1902-07-25
Won by the
Sword - -
By JOHN DICKINSON SHERMAN. Z
copyrighted by Daily Story Pub. Coz

MARK you, Francis Beauclerc!"
Nl said Sir Charles Anthony, join
ing me as sat moodily drinking alone
in the White Horse inn, and thrusting
close to mine his wicked, handsome
face, "You are an evil Casa younger
son crowded out of your brothers
house; no chance for preferment at
court; mo means of livelihood; at the
end of your resources"
Here he drew out a score of gold
pieces and jingled them right musical
ly. 1 eyed him askance, for I hated
the man. And presently he went on:
"Bethink you how many bottles of
noble wine, how many nights of gam
ing with dice and cards, what gener-
GUS meals and goodly raiment lie in
these golden coins. And therefore 1
think you are the man for my work."
What is your work?" asked, keep
ing my temper in check.
'Zounds!" he cried, with an evil
laugh. "'Tis like play. With half a
dozen of my DULLES you stop a carriage
In which rides pretty maid hold
most dear. You make a play at alb
duction with much noise and clashing
of steel and stage business. Then
come to the rescue. We cross swords,
you fall, and / carry off the maid in
triumph, her rescuer and protector.
'Youshave forgotten my temper in
your catalogue of my failings, Sir
Charles Anthony said, rising. 81 will
play no villain in any plot of yours.
But as to crossing swords" Here
laid my hand on my hilt and bowed
to him.
With that Sir Charles sprang up also
with fury in his face, and while one
might count two score, we stared in
each others eyes. Twice his hand
stole to his belt as if he would draw
steel, but in the end my gaze mas
tered his and scowling evily he turned
his back and strobe from the house.
A woman's scream reused me from
my thoughts as 1 strobe up the mar
row side street that led to my humble
lodgings. 1t seemed to come from an
alley close at hand, yet when /
searched it's depths with eyes and ears
it was as silent as the grave. Twas
dark hole and prudence whispered to
let the adventure pass. Yeti knew,
though l knew not how 1 knew, that
1t was good woman who had
screamed and no creature of the
streets. So, with drawn sword, tip
toed into the darkness till 1 saw a
Hutter of white against the wall.
''Who cries for help?" Isaid, loudly,
stepping forward.
at concerns you not" answered a
surly voice, and a dark figure came
boldly out. "Be gone and mind your
own affairs"
''What have you here?" 1 asked,
pressing forward. But the man barred
my way, threatening to spit me on his
blade. Loath to use the steel till
I saw further into the matter, 1 caught
him by the wrist as he raised his arm.
and with a twist and trip sent him
sprawling, and slipped past him into
the turn of the alley. Here twas
dark as a pocket and I could see moth
ng. But as I felt about my hand
closed on the soft, fiimsy stuff of q
woman's gown, and under it was a
woman's breast-a girls.
"Ha!" cried, "'Tis some wench you
are misusing."
'.You mistake" said civil voice
from behind the girl. "'Tis my youn g
sister, who will out O. nights, and we
but take her home"
81 tell you again you are meddling
IN private matter" broke in the first
mans voice. -"'Tis for the girls good,
and we have authority. Stay longer
at your peril"
] was half convinced and was on the
point of withdrawing with an easy
conscience when the girl caught my
hand and carried it to her face. She
was gagged.
'.You knavesi" I cried, tearing loose
the scarf from her mouth. 'Who is
this you have gagged?"
With an oath the man behind the
girl stepped out and ran toward the
street crying for lanthern and blow.
ing q whistle shrilly. Grasping the
girl, by the arm 1 dashed forward
thrusting ahead of me as went. Hall
way out my point took something soft
that cried out and fell. At the alleys
mouth could see better and here q
dark figure rushed on me fiercely.
spitted him like a lark and he went
down in a heap.
In the street l thought to have clear
way, but the whistle brought tire,
or four men who set upon me will
swords. Calling to the girl to run fol
her life faced about briskly to NEE
their attack. But she would not, an,
went back with me against wal
where they pressed me hard. Two
pinked so that they drew out witt
rroanA and curses. but one of tn