The Weiser signal. [volume] (Weiser, Idaho) 1890-1904, 1902-08-16
TContinued from last Saturday.
@ ~ ~ By SYLyANUS COBB. Jr.

minutes when the other party cam
in sight around the head of tn
river.
AS soon as the count and his sec
ond arrived and the horses had beel
secured the lieutenant proposed tina
they should repair to the buildin,
which was close at hand. This wa
a large open boathouse which wa
unused and deserted in the winter
and it was proposed to 60 in Their
because the reflection of the strony
sunlight from the bright snow wa
calculated to blind and blur the eve
"Hal What means that?" uttered
Orsa as he saw sledge just turning
the bend of the river with an Office
in it.
'It is only a surgeon" replied
Damonoff. 'T would not cut {
mans flesh without giving him 6
fair chance to survive it."
"And then you may find him
serviceable to yourself, eh?" sug-
gested the lieutenant.
"Of course. There is no telling
what may happen.
In moment more the new sledge
came up, and Ruric recognized its
inmate as an army surgeon whom he
had seen before, though he knew not
his name.
"Now for the old boathouse,"
cried Urzen.
TAye," added Damonof. 'Iet us
have this business done, for | would
be back to dinner. l dine with Olga
today, and fair maiden awaits nv
coming"
Notice him not" whispered Or
sa, who walked close by Ruric's side.
"That is one of his chief points
when engaged in an affair of this
kind He hopes to get you angry
and so unhinge your nerves."
"Never fear" returned the gun
maker. 'Be sure he only brings
new danger to himself, for such ef-
forts will find their point in the
of my arm"
The party halted when they
reached the interior of the rough
structure, and the count threw off
his pelisse and drew his sword. Ru-
ric followed his example.
"Sir count" the latter said as he
moved step forward, "ere we COM
mence this work | wish all present
to understand distinctly how r
stand. You have sought this quar-
rel from the first. Without the least
provocation from me you have in
suited me most grossly, and this is
the climax. So, before God and |
man, be the result upon your own
head"
"Out, lying knave"-
Hold" cried the surgeon, laying
lis hand heavily upon the counts
lrm. "You have no right to speak
hus, for you lower yourself when
Iou do it. If you have come to fight,
10 so honorably."
An angry reply was upon Damo-
lofts lips, but he did not speak it.
ae turned to his antagonist and
aid:
"Will you measure weapons, sir /?
Wine may be a mite the longest.
eek no advantage, and | have one
here of the same length and weight
Is my own if you wish it."
81 am well satisfied as it is" re-
olied Ruric.
Then take your ground. Are you
'eady?"
81 ami"
The two swords were crossed in
N instant, with clear, sharp clang.
There was some contrast between
he two combatants, but not much
The count was a little
he taller, and Rnric was somewhat
leavier. But to a close observer
here was peculiar contrast in the
earring of the two men. That
reast swelling out so nobly and
hose massive shoulders, made for
he seat of physical power, were Ru-
les alone to possess. Yet Conrad
)amonotf was accounted a strong
ian. In the athletic sports of the
curt club he had few superiors and
OF many equals. But Ruric Newell
ad never shown his strength there.
Now, for the first time, that con-
emptuous look passed from the
cunts face. AS his eye caught his
ntagonist's position, as he MOTTO
d the calm, dignifed, quiet ease
every limb and as he caught the
eep, mystic fire of those expressive
yes he knew that he had no com
ION amateur to deal with.
At length Conrad Damonoff start
d back, and quick cry escaped his
ps. His antagonists point had
'uched his bosom. 1t had pressed
yainst his heart and had not been
riven home. Well he knew that his
fe was his no longer, for the gun
laker had gained it and spared f.