Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1903-07-30

of ycudcr ship. the Ranger flying the
flag of the American republic. but |
am lieutenant in the navy of his mai.
esty Louis XVI. My father is mar.
shall of r,nncc. Will You draw now =
he cried, stepping forward impetuous-
~.
"a brilliant array Of titles surely!
Pity ii lacks other confirmation than
your word. ! scarcely comprehend the
catalogue" replied Coventry coldly.
Il shall cndoavor to cnlighten you as
to my credibilty with this" said
O'Ncill drawing his sword. Now will
you fight or not?"
And if | persist in my refusal?"
asked Coventry, who was Paying for
time.
AT this iuncture l shall he under
the painful necessity of killing YOU in
the presence of your betrothcd: so
draw, my dear sir, if not for honor,
for
"What|
life"
"On guard" cried the Euglishman,
whipping ont his sword
stop cried Elizabeth. springing be-
tween Their swords. He saved my
life at the risk of his own
Course him" said the Englishman,
grinding his teeth.
Your condemnation comes too late,
sir" said O'Noill with bitter emphasis,
with an expressive glance at Elizabeth,
who continued impctuously:
This gentleman treated me with the
most DISTINGUISHED courtesy"
Il wish that lie had exhibited some
of it here" interrupted Coventry again.
II have but followed your own ex-
ample" rctorted O'Neill calmly.
will Won hear me in silence, Ed
ward: They arc not pratcs"-
Il call them So said Coventry stub
bornly.
Enough. Lady Elizabeth" said
O'Neill, taking his share in the con-
vcrsation again. Two lovers are
sometimes an embarrassment of riches.
This seems 10 he one of the times. If
you will stand aside. trust that ii few
moments will rid you OF one or the
other of them"
Il will not go!" said the girl defiant
ly. You shall not fight; you have
nothing to quarrel about"
I'VE have you. or rather he has"
responded the lrisrnan.
''Withdraw, | beg of YOU Elizabeth.
This matter must be settled" said
| Coventry in his turn.
II will not, | tell You" persisted the
girl dcterminedly. "If you fight you
will fight through me-"
1--WE are doing that now" said O'Neill
savagely. will you withdraw, mad
am
II repeat it, I will not and wish
to remind you that | do not Ike your
tone. You are not on the deck of your
ship now. sir
"Oh, am | not? Boat ahoy. there.
Price, cried CNoill. waving his hand.
A few strokes brought the whnlcboat
TO the shore again. Tt" crew were
eager to take a hand in the FRAY.
"Cockswain, come here" said the of
ficcr
~ - ''ii' 'll'N llI' SdlIDT.
And while the other two stood wonder
ing the veteran seaman rolled up to
them and saluted his lieutenant with a
sea Scrape. Want MS to take hand
in this we're little scrimmage, yer hon
orr"
"No. Take this lady and her maid to
that clump of rocks yOndcr"
That's easy; faint no hghtin' at all.
that, Come along, Yer loddyship," said
the old man in great disappointment
as the boat showed of again
"Iou monster" cried Elizabeth,
stamping her foot on the sand You
are pirate after all"'
AS You say, madam. Stop. SIR
said O'N"ill to Coventry, who made Il
] move to approach the sail~r. MY
man will do no harm to her ladyship.
and You have other matters to attend
to unless yon wish to shelter Yourself
! behind Woman'H pettcoats."
Coventry had been playing for more
time, but this was more than he could
stand, Il think you have said enough.
sir, and if yos arc ready" he said, I'VE
will talk in another fashion"
at your service" said the Irishman
/ compos"dly. Two swords flashed in
| the air Simultaneously and rang
against each other with deadly purpose
/ q moment after. Both men were mas
tcrs of the weapon. Coventry had
/ been thoroughly trained in the more
/ direct English school, while O'Neill
was master of all the graceful tricks
of tho subtle fence Of France and Italy
1t was as pretty play, parry and