Waterbury evening Democrat., 1905-12-13


 luck or skill he could master me, his fame as a duellist would run, like a ripple over water, through every garri- son town in France and make him a name even in Paris. On the other side were the imminent peril of death, the gleam of cold steel already in fancy at his breast the loss of life and sun. shine and the possibility of retreat with honor, if without glory. I read his face and knew before he spoke what he would do.
 ''It appears to me that the burden is with you," he said huskily; "but for my part, am satisfied"
 ''Very we'll" said, q take the our den. Permit me to apologize for hav- ing caused you to strip unnecessarily. Fortunately the sun is shining"
 Yes" he said gloomily And he took his clothes from the sundial and began to put them on. He had expressed himself satisfied; but I knew that he was feeling very dissatisfied with him self and was not surprised when he presently said abruptly and almost rudely, There is one thing think we must settle here"
 What is that?" I asked.
 Our positions" he blurted out. Or we shall cross one another again within the hour"
 ''Umph! I am not quite sure that I understand" I said.
 That is precisely what l don't do understand" he retorted, in a tone of surly triumph. Before I came on this duty I was told that there was a gentleman here bearing sealed orders from the cardinal to arrest M. de Cocheforet; and I was instructed to avoid collision with him so far as might be possible. At first took you for the gentleman. But the plague take me if I understand the matter now"
 Why not?" I said coldly.
 "Because-well, the matter Is in a nutshell" he answered impetuously. Are you here on behalf of Madam de Cocheforet to shield her husband? Or are you here to arrest him? That is what I don't understand, M. sie Berault."
 "If you mean, am I the cardinals agent-I am!" I answered sternly.
 "To arrest NJ. de Cocheforet?"
 "To arrest M de Cocheforet"
 "Well-you surprise me-" he said.
 Only that; but he spoke SO dryiv that I felt the blood rush to my face Take care, Monsieur" said severely. Do not presume too far on the inoon- venience to which your death might put me-"
 He shrugged his shoulders. 'No off, fense!" he said. But you do not seem. M de Berault, to comprehend the difficulty. If we do not settle things now, we shall be pickering 20 times a day!"
 Well. what do you want?" I asked impatiently.
 Simply to know how you are going to proceed. So that our plans may not clash"
 But surely. NJ. le Capitaine, that is my affair."" I replied.
 The clashing?" he answered bitter ly. Then he waved aside my wrath Pardon" he said, "the point is sim ply this: How do you propose to lind him If he is here?"
 That again is my affair" an swered.
 He threw ID his hands in despair; but in a moment his place was taker by an unexpected disputant. The lien tenant, who stood by all the time listening and tugging at his gray moustache, suddenly spoke. Look here, NJ. de Berault," he said con fronting me roughly, "I do not figh' duels. I am from the ranks. I Drove' | my courage at Nontauban in '21. anC my honor Is good enough to take car of itself So I say what like and ask you plainly what N. le Captain doubtless mas in his mind but does not ask: Are you running with the har' and hunting with the hounds in thl: l matter? Tn other words. have yol thrown up monseigneur's commission in all but name and become madam ally: Or-it is the only other alter native-are you getting at the mar ! through the women?"
 You villain." I cried. glaring a him in such a rage and fury cCul' scarcely get the words out This va plain speaking with a vengeance How dare you, How dare you ga! that am false to the hand that pay mel"
 I thought he would blench, but h. did not. He stood ID stiff as poker 'T do not say: ask!" he replied facing me squarely and shaping hi fist into his open hand % drive hom' | his words the better. T ask yo' whether you are playing the traitor t' the cardinal? Or to these two women It is a simple question
 fairly ohoked- You impuoen Ecoundrel.- said
 Steady. steadyi- he replied 'Pitel sticks where it belongs But that | enough. see which it is, NJ le Capi tafnp. this way a moment, by you leave
 And in a very cavalier way he tool l his ofHear by the arm and drew hin iuto a sidewalk. leaving me 10 sfan' in the sun. bursting with anger an' splesn. The g7tter-bTed reseal! Ina s1rh a man should insult me and Titi imuuuity, Tn Paris might have mad him szht- but here t Ezs inpossl pc