Catoctin clarion. [volume] (Mechanicstown, Md.) 1871-1940, 1904-05-19


,ther's face"
Sandy's face glows with enthusiasm.
He Is proud of his countryman.
Few more such men as Mynheer Joe
scattered about the world would cause
4 greater respect for the stars and
stripes among the nations of Europe.
He looks Mt 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 seems in the
ascendant" he remarks, ut which
the officer says in low tone
privately. between 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 fot
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 good thing to have san
guine friend, but Sandy does not de-
ceive himself He knows what the
other has to face as well as Mr.
Grimes. who watched the baron WELD
1 sword and shot with him at tar.
ret.
Mynhcer 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
npon Mt sunrise to face the Russian
|. iuclist would be n fool to stupefy his
senses by lingering at banquet ta.
de
lie is Immediately joined by Sandy
md the pseudo silver king. and the
:hrre walk out under the stars to
ak Joe is soon informed with re.
card to all that Mr. Grimes has
earned.
The three presently bring up at the
yymn"sinm for it is the wish of the
after gentleman that the explorer
shall show what he can do, 80 II com,
IL
'pntared as to what Joe's course must
! )e when he receives the challenge cX.
)cctcd
! \ very few persons are present. Mr.
| Crimes speaks to the man in charge,
md they are made welcome as friends
If the officers. The same professor
With whom the baron ulaved is pres.
mt, and with pleasure he agrees to
'rnce with the American. no doubt
| believing he will have chance TO
'ecovcr his prestige. lost in the bout
! With the baron that day.
When Mynhecr Joe takes off his
'oat and vest and puts belt around
| lis waist he is ready for the affair.
! tpon his feet he has drawn pair of
! .ubbcr foot holds that will keep him
rom slipping.
He bares his right arm, and Sandy
sees the professor glance at his SUI
ocrb biccps as though pleased. Then
he man of foils takes his wrist and
rcclS it.
a wonderful arm, monsieur" he
says, with kindling eyes. "With prac.
lice Won should be magnificent
,wordsman."
so old Duval used to tell me-" re.
plies Joe.
"Ah, sacrc, You take lessons from
hinl. re greatest master in Paris. Per
hnps | shall not he able to have ze
.ovengo 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. profcssor?'
The coils click and begin to writhe
ike snakes, passing in and out with
The rapidity of thought. Sandy and
Mr.. Grimes stand near by. They have
deeper interest in this engagement
han appears on the surface.
After looking on for II minute. Mr..
Crimes hcavcs n sigh of relief
Hell do. Sandy. I'll stake my life
N him. even against the Russian.
Watch that magnificent play of the
wrist. Heavens. I've seen man
WELD sword before, but never like
hat. Hark What does he say-that
10 finds himself rusty nnd nluggish.
Deuce take it, what can he do when
trim, then? Note the poor profess
,or. lie actually LOOKS scared. His
cvenge doesn't pan out very well,
iocs it? | think I'll have to give
lin Il turn myself to make him feel
good"
Thus the usually taciturn Mr..
3rmcs rattlcs on. while Sandy can
hardly keep quiet.
"Jovr. He tosses his weapon into
1is left hand. Again lie is ut the pro-
lessor like tiger. The poor devil
1as had the button against his healt
l dozen times What dye think OF
that lcft-handcd play, old fellow"
laughs SGndy.
His companion squeeZcs his hand,
Cor 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
a royal battle No danger of our
Joe getting hurt. Yes, no matter how
well he uses the firearms, | shall rec
ommend swords. The other way both
may be killed; here, wounds are more
possible. Swords are gentlemen's
weapons, truly. Look. He hunts the
professor--he has him utterly demor.
nlizcd-hc throws down his foil and
holds UP his hand. Enough. gentle
men,"
1t Is ns Mr.. Grimes has said. The
Frcncll;nan has been ratified until he
can no longer use his weapon. He
laughs good-naturcdly.
"NInnSinur must hnNe his Iittle inkn