The Kimball graphic. (Kimball, Brule County, Dakota [S.D.]) 1883-1905, 1904-06-10

with Il soldier formal courtesy.
"CheNalier de la Mora.
"Captain, / have the honor to return
to you a note which I believe bears
YOUR name and he handed NE the un-
fortunate billet.
Am l right? Is Ia your hand
1 sccrred to lie, and answered him
evenly:
1T is"
rs that note properly directed? To
Madame de Ia Mora"
lit is. but"
Have you any explanation, sir. to
Offer"
For the life of me 1 could think of
nothing to say; l could not tell him the
truth. neither could / lie to him with
grace. So 1 simply said:
1T was not her fault" probably the
worst remark L could have made.
Then. this note is true? You did
meet my wife by appointment In the
ruined chapel at SceauS?"
NO. by my honor, there was no APP
pointment: l came upon her by chancc.
and through no consent of hers"
And so you presumed to meet my
wife in a lonely place-which she de-
MES to me upon her honor, as you now
swear; you were there hot. impulsive
and hasty' which this honorable mis-
sive of our Graves pardon for. Now
o seek another private interview
which o say you annot live with
out?'
L nodded moodily, wishing only to
have the matter over, n avoid his
further questioning.
by my soul, captain, I am rejoiced
to find YOU so frank-rejoicec that you
do not lie, The other, God knows, il
bad enough"
l WINGED. but held my tongue.
our business. then, is plain enough
and there is no time like the present"
So saying he cast off his coat II be-
gan to roll his sleeves back, leaving
bare that magnificent forearm of his,
supple n deNterous. Initiating him
we We're both soon stripped for action.
had only my light rapier, Worn
about the garrison. While he was armed
with his heavy campaign blade. l WAS
already a dead man, or SO l felt. Tor
there was no spirit in me for the fight.
Our blades crossed, and Immediately
he noted the disparity of arms.
Captain" he remarked, composedly,
drawing back a pace. This is a bad
business: 1 shall surely kill you, but
wish to 40 so as a gentleman. Permit
me to exchange u weapons, so o
fence not at such great disadvantage."
And he offered me the hilt OF his OWL
reversed sword.
~NIleNdlltI dc Id MOI d., SOd HdIS Il ~
liant gentleman. will o believe a man
who has not yet lied to you and who
feels a word is your due?"
BE quick he replied, I'VE may be
Interrupted"
II have wronged you and will render
full atonement. But it has only been a
wrong Of the heart; N of which l
had no control. no choice. Your sweet
wife has never. by word or deed, dis
hooore6 tho noble noma she haa r9h
"Of course. captain, it is a gentle
mans part to make such protestations.
1t is fruitless for us to discuss this
matter, further. except as we had so
we'll begun"
So intent were we both that neither
had seen jacques leave Us. nor had
either heard the swift hoof beats Of a
horse Upon the deadening sand, until
the rider was full upon u.s."
Bienville. Behind him, on foot. just
emerging from the brush some distance
away. Boisbriant n Jacques.
Gentlemen. gentlemen, put by your
weapons. What does this mean?" He
had flung himself from his horse and
stood between.
De la Mora sullenly dropped his
point.
"a mere private matter of honor.
SIRE"
"Are there so few enemies of France
with whom to fight hat you must needs
turn your swords at each other to rob
me of q good soldier when I need every
one?'
BY this time Boisbriant and jacques
had come up, and Bienville commanded:
Major, do you accompany the Cheva-
lier de la Mora to his quarters. You will
take his parole to remain there during
the night. and he will report to me at 10
tomorrow. Placide. do you come with
met"
He gave up his horse to jacques. and
taking me by the arm led me in the direc-
ton Of the garrison. Truly, 1 was in no
better plight, for I feared reproof from
the governor more than the steel Of de la
Mora. During all this time I said no
word. We returned to Biloxi in absolute
silence. Bienville, with all a gentleman's
instinct. recognized the delicacy Of my
position.
The governor took me at once to his
own room. and sat me down at the table.
Now, Placide. tell me all about this
miserable affair.""
II cannot, sire; believe me, l cannot. T
beg of o not to put upon me a COM
mand I must disobey. This wretched
matter is not for me to tell, even to YOU"
"a woman?"
I held my peace.
Eyes, I thought as much. Is 1t your
fault or his, Placide?"
Mine"
Concluded Next Week.