Ceredo advance. [volume] (Ceredo, W. Va.) 1885-1939, 1906-01-03

huOWleube Vi the appearance ne Know
he must present.
Together they walked across the
field some so PAGES distance from
their carriages, Tonti's driver accom-
panying them to render any assist
ancc needed in removing their outer
garments, while the other remained
with the horses. The preliminarics
being arranged, tile two men faced
each other.
EN- garde," cried tbs Comte de
Miron between his teeth.
EN- garde," came from Tonti in
calm and measured tones.
The swords touched, crossed. and the
fight was on. Both learned in a few
moments that neither had a weak op-
ponent before him Each tried the
other with all the commoner thrusts
only to find him ready with a parry
At last Tonti. in order to tire his an
taSonist and thus make It easier when
he next attacked him, maintained the
defensive only. His thoughts wan
dered away from the scene before him
and he seemed to stand in the same
room he had visited yesterday, gazing
that he loved. Only instead of her
eyes following the printed pages OF a
book. they looked into his own with
friendly gaze. But as he looked
they suddenly changed and a CLEAN
of terror and horror filled them. as
though they saw terrible sight, and
her hand was raised las though in
warning.
At this instant the Comte de Miron
pretended to slip, and Tonti involun-
tarily raised his sword point TO enable
him TO recover his footing. The look
OF terror in the face of the one he
loved brought him suddenly back to a
full realization of 8shis SURROUNDINGS
But 1t was too late. TIE comte. count
ing upon the honor and generosity If
his foe when he perceived his mis-
step, and seeing the point of Tontis
sword raised, made a sudden lunge. a
twist and upward movement, and
Ionti's sword was hurled from his
hand and lighted point downward in
the earth just outside his reach Then
Tonti realized his danger, for his foe.
with unrepressed hatred cleaning in
armed and defenscless before him. 1t
was but seconds duration, but
Tonti's thought few back to the street
where they had met and he heard
again the voice he loved cautioning
him against the treachery of the man
before him. He saw the loved eyes
culver, yet gaze at him admiringly as
he met his death bravely and without
hlnching. Fully realizing the impos-
slDlllty OF escaping assassination, he
resolved not to shrink before his
treacherous foe. SO with a look of con-
tempt in his eye and the words For
you, my Rose" in his heart he awaited
the impact of the deadly weapon.
Just as the end of his enemys sword
was about to enter his breast. the
clicking of other steel was heard and
The point was struck up harmlessly
In the air. Tonti's driver. who had
stood very near during the combat
seeing his plight, had suddenly dropped
the cioaks he was holding, and. draw
ing sword from the depths OF the
great-coat in which he was mufTled
had parried the blow. Wretch" he
SAID, contemptuously, to the Comte de
Mlron. Toni with sYrinS recovered
ms sword and returned to the attack.
before, he had had but little heart in
inc battle, meaning only to innict some
trlfilng wound knowing that were he
involved in any mortal comb the
chances would be that Colbert would
seize that as a preteXt for OBTAINING
him, despite the kings protection. and
la Sale would have TO sail without
him. But now, blinded by the fury
aroused by the vile trick of his oppo-
nent., he attacked him with all his
Skill and strength
Before | count ten. NJ 10 Connie 8"
he said. slowly you shall die" and
beginning 10 count each stroke. he
pressed his antagonist hard. reserving
half-forgotten trick of the sword
learned in Italy. for the final. The
Comte de Miron responded with equal
fury OF attack and defense. but as he
heard Tonti count so confidently and
saw the smile Of triumph on his face
he weakened, and the sacri!egious
charm he wore seemed to burn a bright
red spot in his chest as a sign 10 Tontj
where 10 strike
"One,"
A spark flew between the blades.
Two"
The sword play became more furi-
Ous
Three"
Tn" combatants shifted their posi-
lions continuously.
Four"
The breathing Of the Comto dc Niron
crew shorter and more rapid.
Five"
His thrus's became wilder and his
face flushed in strong contrast wi.h
me coolness and precision Of his op-
DOnent
SIX"
a terrible oath escaped his lips az
Tonti calmly turned aside quick
stroke on which ne had counted rnu,h