The county record. [volume] (Kingstree, S.C.) 1885-1975, 1903-03-05

0tner s race.
Sandy's face glows with enthusiasm.
He is proud Of his countryman. A
few more such men as Mynheer Joe
scattered about the world would cause
greater respect for the stars and
stripes among the nations of Europe.
He looks at the explorer, and does
not see that Joe Is impressed with
the danger into which he has been
thus drawn by circumstances.
II have great confidence in his abil'
ity, and his lucky star seen In the
ascendant" he remarks, at which
the officer says in low tone:
privately. IVtween us, Sandy.
earnestly hope he will do the baron
Besides the regard we feel for Inn
rs a cousin from across the water ana
the man who avenged Gordon. you
understand that we have no love for
the Russian, whose mission to India
we can suspect"
"Yes, and it's my private opinion
that when he runs up against Joe he'll
wish he had taken some other course"
1t is a good thing to have a sam
cuine friend, but Sandy does not de-
ceive himself. He knows what the
other has to face as we'll as Mr..
Grimes, who watched the baron WELD
a sword and shot with him at a tar.
get.
Mynheer Joe presently excuses him
self from the company. They under
stand his going. and do not wonder
at 1t. Any man who may be called
upon at sunrise to face the Russian
duelist would be fool to stupefy his
senses by lingering at banquet ta'
ble.
He is Immediately joined by Sandy
md the pseudo silver king, and the
three walk out under the stars to
,alk. Joe is soon informed with re-
.ard to all that Mr.. Grimes has
earned.
The three presently bring up at the
gymnasium. for it is the wish Of the
latter gentleman that the explorer
shall show what he can do, so a COIN.
parison may be drawn and decision
rendered as to what Joe's course must
he when he receives the challenge ex-
pected.
A very few persons are present Mr..
Grimes speaks to the man in charge,
and they are made welcome as friends
Of the officers. The same professor
with whom the baron played is pres.
ent, ana with pleasure he agrees to
;ence with the American, no doubt
believing he will have a chance to
recover his prestige, lost in the bout
with the baron that day.
When Mynheer Joe takes of his
coat and vest and puts belt around
his waist he is ready for the affair.
Upon his feet he has drawn pair OF
rubber foot-holds that will keep him
from slipping.
He bares his right arm, and Sandy
sees the professor glance at his su.
Derb biceps as though pleased. Then
The man of foils takes his wrist AM
teels it.
"a wonderful arm, monsieur" he
says, with kindling eyes. with prac-
tice you should be a magnificent
swordsman."
so old Duval used to tell me-" re-
plies Joe.
"Ah, sacre, You take lessons from
him, re greatest master in Paris. Per-
laps I shall not be able to have re
revenge after all"
Meanwhile Joe rolls up his left shirt
sleeve in the same way, an acton the
professor regards with concern. but
which Mr.. Grimes takes to mean
what he has fondly hoped.
"Ready. professor?"
The foils click and begin to writhe
like snakes, passing in and out with
the rapiIity Of thought. Sandy and
Mr.. Grimes stand near by. They have
a deeper interest in this engagement
than appears on the surface.
After looking on for minute, Mr..
Grimes heaycs sigh Of relief.
Hell do, Sandy. I'll stake my life
on him, even against the Russian.
Watch that magnificent play of the
wrist. Heavens! I've seen q man
WELD a sword before, but never like
that. Hark! What does he say-that
he finds himself rusty and sluggish.
Deuce take it, what can he do when
in trim, then? Note the poor profes-
sor. he actually looks scared. His
revenge doesn't pan out very well.
does it? I think Ill have to give
him a turn myself to make him feel
good"
Thus the usually taciturn Mr..
Grimes rattles on. while Sandy can
hardly keep quiet.
"Jove! He tosses his weapon into
his left hand. Again he is at the pro-
fessor like a tiger. The poor devil
has had the button against his heart
a dozen times. What dye think of
that left-handed play, old fellow"
laughs Sandy.
rrt. envaa1aS hfc hand