The Black Hills union and western stock review. [volume] (Rapid City, S.D.) 1904-19??, 1904-06-10
to find you so Handicapped that you
do not lie. The other, God knows, is

to find you so frank-rejoiced that you
do not lie The other, God knows, is
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 east off his coat and be-
gan to roll his sleeves back, leaving
bare that magnificent forearm of his,
supple and deNterous. Initiating him
VIC We're both soon stripped for action,
l had only my light rapier, Worn
about the garrison. while he was armed
With his heavy campaign blade. l WAS
already dead man. or so I felt, for
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 Il bad
business: l shall surely kill you, but
wish to do so as a gentleman Permit
me to exchange our weapons, SO you
fence not at such great disadvantage
And he offered me the hilt of his own
reversed sword.
"Chevaler de la Mora, you are a gal
liant gentleman, will YOU believe a man
who has not yet lied TO YOU, and who
feels a word is your due
! BE quick. he replied, eve may be
! interrupted.
Il have wronGed YOU and will render
full atonement. But it has only been a
| wrong of the heart: one of which |
had no control, no choice. Your sweet
Wife has never. by word or deed, dis
honored the noble name she bears
"Of course, captain, IL is a gentle
mans part TO make such protestations.
1t is fruitleSS for us to discuss this
I matter, further, except as we had so
/ We'll begun.
I So intent We're we both that neither
had seen Jacques leave us. nor had
/ either heard the swift hoof beats of n
! horse upon the deadening sand, until
4 the rider was full upon us"
Bienvillc. Behind him. on foot, Just
emerging from the brush some distance
away, Boisbrant and jacques.
"Gentlemon. 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 that you must needs
turn Your swords at each other TO rob
me of good soldier when I need every
one?"
BY this time Boishriant and Jacques
had come up, and Bicnvlle commanded:
Major. do you accompany the Cheva-
take his parole to remain there during
the night. and he will report TO me at 10
tomorrow. ilacide, do you come With
me-"
He gave UP his horse to Jacques, and
taking me by the arm led me in the direc-
| ton of the garrison. Truly, | was in no
better plight. for | feared reproof from
the governor more than the steel of de la
Mora. During all this time l said no
word. We returned 10 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, Piacide. tell me all about this
miserable affair"
Il cannot sire; believe me- cannot.
beg of You not to put upon me a COM
nand | must disobey. This wretchcd
matter is not for me to tell, even to YOU"
"A wuman?"
| held my peace.
Yes, I thought as much. Is it your
fault or his, Placde?"
Mine"
(COnCludpd Naxt NEenlr