Missouri Valley times. [volume] (Missouri Valley, Iowa) 1874-1931, 1904-02-18

better class He staggered somewhat
from wine, and carried magnificent
breadth of shoulder, -denoting consid-
cradle strength. This was my mental
catalogue from the glimpse caught.
BY this time, the lady had got rather
within the range of the light: the man
came straight at her, and, to my
amazement despite her struggles
seized and kissed her. This was before
1 could reach them.
/ was upon him in IN instant. An
othe: .slld he had reeled back against
the wall, drawing his weapon as he fell
He recovered his feet, my blade met
each paused, we'll knowing the dead!
lottery of such a duel in the dark.
The lady ran up as nearly between
us as she dared and besought:
ooh Measures, Messires,' she pluckeG
me by the sleeve, do not fight; Their
is no need of it,"
Get out of the way you impudent
hussy," he commanded, I'm kill youl
meddling lover, like the varlet hound
he is
1 went at him in earnest. His furthel
insult to her made every muscle a core
of steel. soon found this no mere
sport, for the fellow was a thorough
master OF his weapon. / was trii.e
the taller and had a longer reach: this.
with my heavier blade, gave me we'll
the vantage. Besides had touched no
wine and my nerves We're steady.
However, had the light full in my
face, and he was not slow TO see the an
noyance it caused me. I knew could
not maintain q fight for long. SO ]
sparks flew. Backwards, step by step
he retreated, until he had almost
reached the door of which he came. ]
burst not withdraw my eyes from his
yet I had seen the lady run swiftly up
the inner stairs. whether for help or
for other assassins / could not guess
Still back, ever pressing him desper-
atelyy back. the fight went and he
stood again inside the door. at the very
foot of the stair. Now every advan-
tage was mine, for he was we'll within
the glow of the lamp, every movement
distinctly visible. while yet stood In
darkness.
For the sake of mercy, my lord
come quick" 1t was the girls voice
at the head of the stairs; there they
are. They VIII desiet IL you command
men coming down the stairs. lighter
step behind them. My foot touched
something which lay in the dense shad-
ow OF the doorstep 1t felt soft, a pack
age of some kind. Then / remember
seeing something fall from the cloak
of my adversary forgotten In the heat
of the fray. placed my foot upon it,
What quarrel Is this. gentlemen?
Put by your swords?"
The voice was that of a man accus-
toned to obedience. My antagonist
stood entirely upon the defensive; l
stepped back a pace and we rested at
ease. He leaned heavily against the
balustrade; his breath came hard: j
could see he was nearly spent. so flu
rious had been our short contest. His
face showed, besides. the flush of too
much wine, or perchance had not been
SO fortunate.
What mean you, gentlemen? Your
quarrel?"
IT did but kiss the wench. and this
fellow set upon me In the dark"
Aye. my lord" replied stoutly, ac-
cording to the stranger the respect he
seemed to command. "a wanton insult
to this lady whom l met unprotected
In the streets, and saw her safely to
her gate. Who she is. or what, l know
not"
The two men looked at each other.
from the girl to me, then burst into
such peals of incredulous laughter as
reused my anger again. Even my late
foe Joined In, but family.
Would either of you, my lords. be
pleased to take the matter up?" for
was hot indeed.
But they only laughed the more. The
lady looked much confused. =
CONTINUED Next Week.)