The Bon Homme County independent. [volume] (Tabor, S.D.) 1904-1913, 1905-04-27
WON BY THE SWORD.

2s7s2S2s252s2s2s2s2s2s2s2s7s2s2SG
"Hark you. Francis Besucierc!"
said Sir Charles Anthony, Joining me
a ! sat moody alone In the White
Horse Inn, and thrusting At me his
wicked, handsome face. you are an
evil Casa younger SON crowded out
Of your brothers house. no chance
for preferment ut court. no means
OF livelihood ut the end OF your re-
sources"
Here he drew out a score OF gold
pieces and jingled them right musi-
cally. eyed him askance. for ] hated
tae man.. And presently he went on:
"Bcthink you how many bottles Of
wine, how many nights OF gaming
w..a the dice and cards, what gen
erous meals and goodly raiment lie
In these golden coins. And. therefore,
] think you are the man for my work"
what IN your work." asked,
keeping my temper In check.
"Zounds!" he cried. with an evil
laugh. "'Ts like n play. With half
. dozen Of my builies you stop a car.
riage In which rides q pretty maid
hold most dear. You make q play at
abduction, with much noise and clash
ing Of steel and stage business. Then
come 10 the rescue. We cross swords.
Jon fall. and I carry on the maid In
triumph and rescucr and protector"
You have forgotten my temper In
your catalogue OF my failings. Sir
Charles Anthony said, rising. Il
win play no villain In any plot Of
youra But as to crossing swords"
Here laid my hand on my Init and
bowed to him.
with that Sir Charles sprang up
also. with fury In his face and while
one might count twoscere we stared
In each others eyes. Twice mis- hand
stole 20 his belt as II he would draw
steel. but In the end my gaxe mastered
his, and scowling evilly he turned his
hack and STROBE from the house.
A womans scream reused me from
my thoughts ne I strobe up the mar
row side street that led to my humble
lodgings. II seemed TO come from an
alley close ut hand, yet when search
ed It's depths with eyes and ears II
Was as silent as the grave.
IL was q dark hole and prudence
whispered TO let the adventure pass
Yet knew. though knew not how
knew, that Il was q good woman who
had screamed and no creature OF the
streets. So. with drawn sword, tip
toed into the darkness Till I saw q
nutter OF white against the wall.
"who cries for helpT' said,
loudly, stepping forward.
1T concerns you not" answered a
surly voice, and a dark figure came
boldly out. "Begono and mind your
own AFFAIRS"
What have you here?' I asked.
pressing forward.
But the man barred my way. threat.
sning 20 spit me on his blade. Loath
90 use the steel till saw further
into the matter, I caught him by the
wrist as he raised his arm, and vita
q twist and trip sent him sprawling.
and slipped past him into the turn OF
the alley.
Here twas dark AZ a pocket and
could see nothing. But as felt about
my hand closed on the soft. fiimsy
stun OF q woman's gown, and under
Il WAS a woman's form--a girls.
Hal" cried. It's some wench
you are misusing."
You mistake" said a civil voice
from behind the girl. tbs my young
sister. who will out o'nights. and we
but take her home"
Il tell you again you are meddling
In q private matter" broke in the first
mans voice. It's for the girls good.
and we have authority. Stay longer
ct your peril"
was half convinced. and was on
the point of withdrawing with an easy
conscience when the girl caught my
hand and carried II TO her face. She
was gagged.
"You knaves!" cried. tearing loose
the scarf from her mouth. Who is
this you have gagged?"
With an oath the man behind the
giri stepped out and ran toward the
street crying for a lantern and blow
ing q whistle shrilly. GEasping the
girl by the arm ! dashed forward.
thrrrting ahead Of me as went Hail