Richmond planet. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1883-1938, 1906-08-04
CHAPTER NNV

ana Aaoul are lost.
CHAPTER XIV.
The moment that the Marquis OF
Clameran perceived that Raoul de
Layers was the only obstacle between
him and Madeleine. ne swore that the
obstacle should soon be removed.
That very day he took steps for the
accomplishment Of his purpose. As
Raoui was walking out to Vesinef
about midnight. he was stopped az a
lonely spot 10y three men. who asked
him what o'clock IL was: while look
ing at his watch. the rufiins fell uDon
him suddenly. and but for RaouTs
wonderful strength and agility. would
have left him dead on the spot
As IL was. X soon. by his skllfullv-
piled blows tfor he had become a
proficient in feucing and boxing in
England. made his enemies take 20
their heels.
lie quietly continued his walk home.
fully determined TO he hereafter well
armed when be went ont at night.
he never for an instant suspected
his accomplice OF having instigated
the assault
But two DAYS afterward. while sit
ting in a cafe a burly. vuigar-looking
man. stranger TO him. interrupted
him several times while talking. and
after making several rough speeches.
as II trying 20 provoke a quarrel. I'm.
ally threw n card ia his face. saving
Its owner Was ready 70 grant him
satisfaction when and where he
pleased.
Raoul rushed toward the man 70
chostice him on the spot: but his
friends held him back. telling him II
would be- much more centlemanlv "a
run a sword through his vulgar hide.
than have scufie in a public place.
Very vel. then; YOU will hear
from nae fo-morrow." he said, Scorn-
fully. Co his ass0ilant. "Wait az your
hotel until ] send two friends 10 ar
range the matter with you."
As soon as the stranger had left
liaoul recovered from his excitement.
and began 90 wonder what could have
been the motive FOR this evidently pre-.
meditared insult.
Picking up the card OF the bully,
he read:
w. II. b. JACOBSON.
Formerly Garihaldian volunteer.
EN-oihcer of the army OF the South.
Italy, America)
30 Rue Leonie.
Raoul had seen enough of the world
10 know that these heroes who cover
their visiting cards with titles have
very little glory elsewhere than in
their own conceit.
still the Insult had Leen offered in
, the presence ~ others. and. no mat
ter who the offender was. il must be
noticed. Larry the next morning
Raoul sent two Of his friends to make
arrangements for a duel. He gave
them Nj. Jacobson's address, and told
them 20 report at the Hotel du
Louvre, where he would wait for
them.
Having dismissed his friends, Raoul
went out 70 ind out something about
NJ. jacobson; and, being an expert at
the business Of unraveling plots and
snares, he determined 10 discover
who was at the bottom of this duel
into which he had been decoyed.
The Information Obtained was not
very promising.
NJ. jacobson. who lived in very
suspicious-looking little hotel whose
inmates were women of light char
acter, was described as an eccentric
gentleman, whose mode of life was a
problem difficult TO solve. No one
knew his means of support.
He reigned despotically in the ho-
prrfs
in until midnight, and seemed 10 have
no capital 70 live upon, save his mill
tary titles. and a talent for carrying
out whatever was undertaken for his
own benefit.
THAT being his character" thought
Raoul, II can not see what object he
can have in picking a quarrc. g-s+t1
me- What good viii it do him TO run
sword through my body2 Not the
slightest; and, moreover, his pug
nacious conduct is apt TO draw the
attention OF the police, who. from
what hear. are the last people this
warrior would like 10 have after him.
Therefore he must have some reason
for pursuing me; and must find out
what It IS"
The result of his meditations was.
Raoul, upon his return to the Hotel du
Louvre, did not mention & word of his
adventure 10 ClaIperan, whom he
found already mp.
At half-past eight his seconds ar
rived.
NJ jacobson had selected the sword,
and would fight that very hour. in