The daily Alaskan., 1905-07-12

In Spain there are balconies Co the dwellings, on which young ladies rc- ce;ve their admirers, who stand below and talk Co them. One afternoon Percy Owens was passing the house Of Scno- rita Perez when she stepped on Co the balcony and beckoncd Co him. On her face were mingled amusement and dread. She told Owens that two of her suitorS, Senors Jose Seiano and Pedro Nalles, were In the drawing room. She had written each that if De would call upon her mother that after noon at { o'clock he should receive an answer to proposition he had made for her hand. "1 fear they may quar- rel" she added, "and wish you Co come in and help me, if necessary, Co prevent them from killing each other. !" Owens consented. The girl opened the front door for hlm and led him Co a room adjoining the one In which the two visitors had been shown Percy took a seat by window, while Franca stood behind a portiere, peeping Into the adjoining apartment Each of the yis- itors haL evidently learned the object Of the others call, and they were every moment growing more furious toward one another.
 Your coming here on such a visit ," said Senor Sedano, "I consider an in- suit to me"
 "An insult means satisfaction" re- torted Senor Vanes, "and you shall have it."
 Come. then" said Che other. And be started toward the opening where the senorita stood. She shut the door and locked it. Senor ValleS turned to the only other door. It too, was lock cd
 "I fancy" said Scdano. "that the lady has brought us here to fight for her"
 What a pity there are no wcapousT replied Pedro.
 On the walls hung curlos. among which were dirk Knives, blunderbusses, srQuebuses and other antique weap. onS. The rivals selected the latter on account Of the absence ot noise in thcir discharge. Each took a crossbow, ft ted an arrow and backed against a wan. prepared to shoot
 Though the room was a long one it was quite likely that an arrow sent tC a vital part would be fatal Franca through a keyhole saw the two men standing ready to kin each other and was wild with fright opening tho door. she rushed in and took a position between them.
 "Senorita,'' said Seiano, lowering his crosSbow. q think Signor NBlles will join me In an agreement Co cease this affair if you win tell him that an your accepted sutton"
 Rather" said Nalles, "if you vii tell Signor Sedano that am the favor cd one"
 The girl stood bsffled. She did mol wish to marry either. The men moved aside in order to get free range Of eaCl other and again raised their cross bows. Franca implored them to de sist. but they remained firm In their de termination.
 Meanwhile Owens. thinking that hii assistance might be required, had ad vanced to the doorway. He hearI what had been spoken and, seeing th, senorita's plight, resolved upon a couI to extricate her
 Entering the room. he said:
 "Gentlemen, put up your weapons You are fighting for that which is des tined for another. Senorita Perez q engaged to me"
 "Indeedr' exclaimed the rivals, as tonished. Franca stood looking at he assistant as much astoniShed as th Spaniards.
 aIs this true, seuorltay' asked valles
 'Is it true. senoritay' repeated Sc dano.
 You have no right, signors," sah | Franca. bending her eyes tO th ground, "to question me on such sut | lect"
 Pardon. senorita," said Sedanc speaking for both. "You are right W leave you with one whom you do no deny is the favored suitor"
 The two Spsniaris hung up thel crossbows, bowed low Co the lady each vainly endeavoring Co conceal hi chagrin and modification under superabundance of politeness, an with only the two words, "Adieu, s' ! norita." left the house. II Franca was still standing in the ceT ter of the room, owens In the dcoi way, with hand pushing aside th portiere He expected that she woul looI up and laugh. Instead her oy6 remained bent to the floor and a blus tinged her cheek. She knew her heal and had unconsclously revealed it H was not sorry at the revelation. AZ vanclng. he encircled her waist an took her hand. Then he whispered; | Ny botrothedy'