Catoctin clarion. [volume] (Mechanicstown, Md.) 1871-1940, 1904-05-26

duel. The nearest he came to 1t was
when he endeavored to see the Ben
nett-May affair across the water, anu
arrived on the duellng- ground just
in time to see the carriages drive
hastily away. 1t begins to look as
though he may now have the desired
opportunity, and he means to make
tie most of it. as such affairs are not
an everyday occurrence m these de-
generate times.
Mr.. Grimes, having been made a
master of ceremonies, has weight of
responsibility on his shoulders; but
he knows the best he can do at pres
ent is to see that Joe gets decent
nights sleep and is up betimes.
The pseudo silver king has a watch
| IF peculiar make, with an alarm that
ran he set for any time, just like a
| clock. Placed under his pillow, 1t
! will make noise enough at the desig-
mated hour to arouse light sleeper
such a. !.2.=als. lie has depended
on It many Il time and not been disap.
pointed.
Myphpcr Joe has found Molly in the
hotel parlors, and seems to be well
content to pass the balance Of the
evening in her company, drinking the
Intoxicating cup Of love from her clear
| gray eyes.
Mr.. Grimes leaves him alone. This
will not make him nervous in the
morning or his eye unsteady. Better
to he in her company listening to her
songs than drinking with convivial
companions. as the baron is doing at
this same hour, playing baccarat.
The news has gone abroad-strange
how such things do travel, as might
the mist that comes silently in from
the sea and spreads over the land like
magic. People pretty generally know
that the insult has been passed be.
tween the Russian baron and the
American traveller who was with Cor.
reputation one of these men has as a
duelist, it rs set down as certain that
meeting must take place soon.
Hence. Mynhecr Joe finds himself
the cynosure for many eyes. and he
Is annoyed at the interest people seem
to take in him. but that Is the fate
of any one whom fortune destincs to
move on higher plane than his fel-
lows, and he must get used to It.
Molly. on her part, believing this
.,; l,.,
people have learned that he is the
sole survivor Of the massacre at Khar-
toom, is proud of the fact that he is
her friend-pleased to think he Is an
American, anG thinks more of him
than ever.
He gives no hint Of what is to
come off In the morning, for it is not
his way to boast, and he can keep n
secret. Indeed. to see how merry he
appears no one would think he has
anything on bis mind. Those who are
in the secret are amazed. and not n
few make up their minds that fhe
whole report may be a cnnard, for
they cannot imagine man who cX-
poets to meet the Russian baron at
sunrise could be so cool about 1t.
The evening passes aud finally Myn.
heer Joe bids the ladies good night.
Mr.. Grimes sees that he retires to his
room to get few hours sleep. At
the proper time Grimes is up and
arouses both Mynheer Joe and Sandy.
Together they quickly repair to the
dining-room of the hotel. A cook has
been bribed to be up and hands them
each cup of fine coffee, than which
not better can be had in the world
than right there at Shepherds in
Cairo.
This opens their eyes and makes
them feel as though they have n
warmth next their heart. Outside the
poor moon hangs up in the sky, but
her pale light already gives way to
the coming Of early morning. Soon
the gathering hosts of light will rush
up from their stronghold below the
eastern horizon, when the rout of the
nght-king will be complete.
Just about this hour, Molly Tanner,
dressed in white wrapper and with
her hair showering down her back,
enters her fathers rooms by means
of the connecting door.
WHO'S that" asks Tanner. sitting
upright, his nightcap hanging ove1
his ear.
only Molly, father comes the re.
ply.
What the dickens are you wander
ing around for? Go back to your bed,
child" he says. softly, for his love to.
ward his daughter is very great.
at Is early morning. You can hear
the birds twittering out in the trees,
| was awake, and, catching voices,
went to the window. Below l saw
three men move toward the river.
am almost positive l recognized one
Of their voices"
"Well," grunts the orator, getting
ready to resume his nap, what of
that, Molly?'
But it was Mynheer joe"
"Eh?"
"And heard one of the others i am
sure it must have been Mr.. Grimes
say: 4 will examine the swords. He
shall have no advantage
Tanner grunts again.
Then the report was true?'
What report, governor"
"Naver mind. child. Ut doesn't con-