The Princeton union. [volume] (Princeton, Minn.) 1876-1976, 1905-09-07

derly and then grasped him by the
hand. "Youia are right, old friend. For
give my rough words. will do it. It
kills me, but will do 1.-THE country
first of all. o God. pity me and help
me"' he cried.
Amen" said Bentley, his face work
ing with grief, yet iron in it's deter
mlnation and resolution.
Seymour turned on his heel and
sprang aft, bringing his hand the while
up to his heart. AS he did so his
fingers instinctively went to the pocket
of his waistcoat and sought the letter
he carried there. He took it out half:
mechanically and glanced at the IA !.
miliar writing once more, when sud
den gust Of wind snatched it out Of .
his hand and blew it to the feet of Tai.
bot
"My letterv' cried Seymour impul-
sively.
The soldier courteously stopped and
picked it up and glanced down at the
open scrap mechanically as he ex-:
tended his hand toward Seymour; then:
the next moment he cried:
"Why, it's from Katharinev'
One unconscious inspection suffced
to put him in possession of the con-
tents. "Where did you get this note,
STRIP he exclaimed, his face flushing
with jealousy and sudden suspicion.
1T is mine. I am the one she loves;
How came it in your possession?' he
continued, in rising heat.
Seymour, already unstrung by the
fearful strain he had gone through and
the frightful decision he would have
to make later on-nay, had made after!
Bentley's words-was in no mood to be-
catechised
II am not in the habit of answering
such personal questions, sir. And I:
recognize no right in you to so ques-!
ton me-"
Fright, sir! I find a letter in your
possession with words of love in it
from my betrothed. a note plainly
meant for me and which has been;
withheld. How comes it SOP
"And repeat, sir, have nothing to
say except to demand the return of my
letter instantly. It is mine, and will
have it,
"Do you know, Mr.. Seymour, that we
have been pledged to each other since
childhood, that we have been lovers;
she is to be my wife? l love her and
she loves me. Explain this letter then"
ut is false, Mr.. Talbot She has,
pledged herself to me-yes, sir, to me-
care nothing for your childish love
affairs. She is mine, if I may believe
her words, as is the letter which you
have basely read You will return it to
me at once or I shall have it taken
from you by force.''
Il give you the lie, sir. here and
now" shrieked Talbot, laying his hand
upon his sword 1T is not true; she is
mine. AS for the note-1 keep itv
Seymour controlled himself by a vio-
lent effort and looked around for some
of his men. Wilton and Bentley had
come aft in great anxiety, and the
whole crew were looking eagerly at
them, attracted by the aroused voices
and the passionate attitude of the two
AASAl. Z VI q 1uOul0uL lu0 CuaSc WAS 1Or-f
gotten.
ooh, Hilaryv' said Philip, addressing
his friend.
flush, Philip! This man insults your
sister. am defending her honor
The lad hesitated a moment; disci-'
pine was strong in his young soul.
"That is my duty-Mr. Seymour" he
said.
Seymour turned swiftly upon him.
'What are you doing here, Mr. Will,
ton? All hands are called, are they:
not? Your station is on the forecastle,.
then, believe he said with deadly
calm. "Oblige me by going forward at
once, SIR
"Go, Philipv' cried Talbot. Il can;
take care of this man." :
"Aft here, two or three of your con-
tinued Seymour, his usually even voice
trembling little. "Seize Lieutenant
Talbot! Arrest him! Take his sword
from him and hand me the letter he;
has in his hand, and then confne him
in his cabin
Two or three of the seamen came
running aft. Talbot whipped out his
sword.
"The first man that touches me shall.
have this through his heartr' he said