The midland journal. (Rising Sun, Md.) 1885-1947, 1904-04-01

| )I1eE LlCc.
Sandy's face CLOVIS 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 will
the danger into which he has been
thus drawn by circumstances.
Il have great confidence in his abil
ity, and his lucky star seems in the
ascendant" he remarks. 1T which
the officer says in low tone:
privately. bptween us, Sandy.
earnestly hope he will do the baron
Besides the regard we feel for him
as cousin from across the water and
the, man who avenged Gordon, you
understand that we have no love for
the Russian, whose mission to India
we can suspect
Eyes. and it's my private opinion
that when he runs up against Joe he'll
wish he had taken some other course"
L is a good thing to have a san
guine 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
4 sword and shot with him at tar,
get.
Mynheer Joe presently excuses him
self from the company. They under
stand his going, and do not wonder
at it. Any man who may be called
upon at sunrise to face the Russian
1uelist would be fool to stupefy his
senses by lingering at banquet ia
bic.
He is Immediately Joined by Sandy
and the pseudo silver king. and the
:hree walk out under the stars to
ak. Joe is soon informed with re-
gard to all that Mr.. Grimes has
earned.
The three presently bring up at the
gymnasium, for it is the wish of the
after gentleman that the explorer
shall show what he can do, so COM
,arison may be drawn and decision
.eneered as to what Joe's course must
De when he receives the challenge ex-
oected.
A very few persons are present. Mr..
Grimes speaks to the man in charge,
and they are made welcome as friends
If the officers. The same professor
with whom the baron PLAYED is pres
,nt. and 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 off his
coat and vest and puts belt around
his waist he is ready for the affair.
Upon his feet he has drawn pair of
.ubber foot-holds that will keep him
from slipping.
He bares his right arm, and Sandy
sees the professor glance at his SUI
oerb hiceps as though pleased. Then
The man Of foils takes his wrist and
FEELS it.
"a wonderful arm, monsieur he
says, with kindling eyes. with prac-
lice you should be magnificent
swordsman."
$50 old Duval used to tell me-" re-
plies Joe.
"Ah, sacre! You take lessons from
him, re greatest master in Paris. Per
haps I shall not be able to have re
revenge after ALL"
Meanwhile Joe rolls up his left shirt
sleeve in the same way. an action the
professor regards with concern. but
which Mr.. Grimes takes to mean
what he has fondly hoped.
Ready, professor?"
The tolls click and begin to writhe
ike snakes, passing in and out with
he rapidity of thought. Sandy and
Mr.. Grimes stand near by. They have
1 deeper interest in this engagement
han appears on the surface.
After looking on for a minute, Mr..
Grimes heaves a sigh of relief.
Hell do. Sandy. I'll stake my life
IN him, even against the Russian.
Watch that magnificent play of the
wrist. Heavens! I've seen man
WELD a sword before, but never like
hat. Hank! What does he say-that
he finds himself rusty and sluggish.
Deuce take it, what can he do when
trim. then? Note the poor profess
;or. He actually looks scared. His
evenge doesn't pan out very well,
ioes it? 1 think I'll have to give
lin turn myself to make him feel
good"
Thus the usually taciturn Mr..
Grimes rattles on. while Sandy can
hardly keep quiet.
"Jovc! He losses his weapon into
ais left hand. Again he is at the pro-
lessor like q tiger. The poor devil
las had the button against his heart
dozen times. What dye think of
that lcft-handed play, old fellow?"
laughs Sandy.
His companion squeezes his hand,
Tor once. showing excitement.
II feel as jolly as If an old uncle
had died and left me his fortune. The
baron will meet his match. 1t will be
baftla Nh dappar nf OIIf.