The daily journal. (Salem, Or.) 1899-1903, 1903-10-31

character Of Alice Tarleton lcalled
Roussilion) had been only such as a
lonely frontier post could generate.
Her associations with men and women
had, with few exceptions, been unprof-
table In an educational way, while her
reading in NJ. Rousslllon's little library
could not have given her any practical
knowledge OF manners and life.
Her affection for Rene was interfered
with by her large admiration for the
heroic. masterful and magnetic knights
who charged through the romances of
'he Roussillon collection. For although
Rene was unquestlonably brave and
more than passably handsome, he had
no armOr. no war horse. no shining
lance and embossed shield-the differ
ence. indeed. was great.
Perhaps It was the light and heat Of
imagination shining out through Allce's
face which gave her beauty such fas-
cinatlng power. Rene saw It and felt
its electrical stroke send a sweet shiver
through his heart while he stood before
her
"You are very beautiful tonight,
Alice" be presently said, with sud
denness which took even her alertness
by surprise. flush rose TO his dark
face and Immediately gave way TO a
graylsh pallor. His heart came near
stopping on the instant, he was so
shocked by his own daring, but he laid
hand on her hair. stroklng II softly.
Just moment she was at a loss,
looking trihe embarrassed; then,
with a merry laugh, she stepped aside
and said:
"That sounds better, NJ. Rene de
Ronvllle; much better. You will be as
polite as Father Beret after n little
more training"
She slipped past him while speak
ing and made her way back again to
the main room. whence she called to
him:
"Come here I'VE something to show
you"
He obeyed. sheepish trace on his !
countennnce betraying his self con
sciousness.
When he came near Alice. she was |
taking from its buckhorn hook on the
wall "A rnpier, one of beautiful pair
hanging side by side.
"Papa Roussillon gave me these" she
said, with great animation. "He bought !
them OF an Indian who had kept them
a long time. Where he came across
them he would not tell. But look, how
beautiful! Did you ever see anything
10 fineT
Guard and hilt were OF silver; the
blade. although somewhat corroded,
still showed the fine, wavy lines OF
Damascus steel and traces OF delicate
engraving, while I'm the end of the
hilt was set large oval turquoise.
"a very queer present to give a
girl" said Rene. what can you do
with themT
A captivating fash OF playfulness
came into her face and she sprang
backward. giving the sword a semi
circular turn with her wrist The
blade sent forth keen hiss as 1t cut
the air close. very close to Rene's nose
He jerked his head and flung up his
hand.
She laughed merrily, standing beauu-
fully poised before him. the rapler's
point slightly elevated. Her short skirt
left her feet and ankles free to show
their graceful proportions and the per
feet pose In which they held her supple
body.
"You see what I can do with the
colechemarle, Ell, NJ. Rene de Ron
villeg' she exclaimed. giving him a
smile which fairly blinded him. mo
tice how very near TO your neck can
thrust and yet not touch 1t, Nowv'
She dRrted the keen point under his
chin and drew II away 80 quickly that
the stroke was like CLINT OF sun
light.
"What do you think OF that as a nice
and accurate piece OF skllll"
She again resumed her pose, the
right foot advanced, the left arm well
back. her llssome, finely developed
body leaning slightly forward
Renes hands were up before his face
In defensive position, palms outward.
Just then chorus OF mems voices
a., tha Alafonaa