The Princeton union. [volume] (Princeton, Minn.) 1876-1976, 1903-01-29

WlS#tali ana carried knife In his
hand. Even In the twilight they could
see his upper teeth bare and glistening,
for his mouth was open, like that OF a
hound about to leap. The man had eyi-
IDENTIFY been over his head in water but
q minute or two before, and even while
he stood there the drops kept falling
from his wet clothes and battered on
the floor.
The next moment he crossed the
threshold. There was a leap, stifled
cry, an instantaneous struggle, and be-
fore Colonel Geraldine could spring
to his aid the prince held the man,
disarmed and helpless, by the shout
ders
Dr. Noel,'' he said, ''you will be SO
good as to, relight the lamp"
And, relinquishing the charge of his
prisoner to Geraldine and Bracken-
bury, he crossed the room and set his
back against the chimney piece. AS
soon as the lamp had kindled, the party
beheld an unaccustomed sternness on
the princes features. It was no longer
:FlOrizel, the careless gentleman. 1t
was the Prince of Bohemia, Justly in
censed and full of deadly purpose, who
now raised his head and addressed
the captive president Of the Suicide
club. -... --
President he said, "you have laid
your last snare, and your own feet are
taken in it. The day is beginning. 1t
Is your last morning. You have Just
swum the Regents canal. 1t is your
last bath in this world. Your old &C.
complete, DR.. Noel, so far from betray-
ing me, has delivered you into my
hands for judgment. And the grave
you had dug for me this afternoon
shall serve in Gods almighty provi-
dence to hide your own just doom
from the curiosity of mankind. Kneel
and pray, sir, if you have mind that
way, for your time is short and God
is weary of your iniquities."
The president made no answer either
by word or sign, but continued to hang
his head and gaze sullenly on the floor
as though he were conscious of the
princes prolonged and unsparing re-
gard.
"Gentlemen," continued Florizel. re-
Stunning the ordinary tone of his CONVEX
sation, ''this is a fellow who has long
eluded me, but whom, thanks to DR..
Noel, l now have tightly by the heels.
TO tell the story of his misdeeds would
occupy more time than we can now
afford, but if the canal had contained
nothing but the blood of his victims I
believe the wretch would have been
no drier than you see him. Even in an
affair of this sort desire to preserve
the forms of honor, but make you the
Judges, gentlemen. This is more an
execution than duel, and to give the
rogue his choice of weapons would be
to push too far point of etiquette
cannot afford to lose my life in such a
business" he continued, unlocking the
case of swords, land as pistol bullet
travels so often on the wings of chance,
and skill and courage may fall by the
most trembling marksman, 1 have de-
cided, and l feel sure you will approve
of my determination, to put this ques-
ton to the touch of swords -.
+ When Brackenbury aud Major
OKooke, 10 wnUnl these remarks were
particularly addressed, had each init
mated his approval, "Quick, SIR" add
ed Prince Florizel to the president,
"choose blade and do not keep me
waiting. I have an Impotence to be
done with you forever"
For the first time since he was cap
tured and disarmed the president raised
his head, and it was plain that he be-
gan instantly to pluck up courage.
SIS it to be stand up?' he asked
eagerly, land between you and me?"
II mean so far to honor you," re-
piled the prince.
"Oh, comev' cried the president.
with a fair field, who knows how
things may happen? must add that
[ consider it handsome behavior on
your highness' part, and if the worst
comes to the worst I shall die by one
of the most gallant gentlemen in Eu-
rope"
And the president. liberated by those
who had detained him. stepped up to
the table and began, with minute at
tention, to select sword. He was
highly elated and seemed to feel no
doubt that he should issue victorious
from the contest. The spectators grew
alarmed in the face of so entire con-
fidence and adjured Prince Florizel to
reconsider his intention.
"It is but farce" he answered,
"and l think can promise you, gen
tlemen, that it will not be long a-play-
ing
''Your highness will be careful not to
overrea ch," said Colonel Geraldine.
Geraldine" returned the prince, "did
you ever know me to fail in debt of
honor? l owe you this mans life, and
you shall have it, - ..-.---a. -.
The president at last satisfied him
self with one of the rapiers and signi-
fed his readiness by gesture that
was not devoid Of rude nobility. The
nearness Of peril and the sense of
courage. even to this obnoxious villain,
lent an air of manhood and certain