The citizen. [volume] (Berea, Ky.) 1899-1958, 1906-05-03

duty TO monseigncur will let me light
You viii swallow the blow?" he
cried. splitting on the ground offensive
ly. "Diahlel" And the lieutenant.
standing on one side with his hands
behind him and his shoulders squared.
laughed grimly
Il have not made up my mind" I
answered irresolutely.
We'll, nom de Dieul make Il up"
the captain replied. with an ugly sneer.
He took a staggering step this way
and that. playing his weapon. 81 am
afraid. lieutenant, there will be no
sport to day" he continued. in a loud
aside. "Our cock has but a chicken
heart"
Welt" said coolly, Il do not
know what to do. Certainly Il Is
fine day and fair piece of ground.
And the sun stands well. But have
not much to gain by killing you, nj. lie
Capitaine and It might get me into an
awkward flx. On the other hand. II
would not hurt me TO let you CO."
'Indeed?" he said contemptuously.
looking at me as ! should look at .
lacquey.
"No." replied. For II you were to
say that you had struck Gil de Berault.
and left the ground with a whole skin.
no one would believe you"
"Gil de Beraultl" he exclaimed.
frowning.
"Yes Monsieur" replied suavely.
at your service. You did not know
my uame?"
Il thought your name was De
Barthe," ne said. His voice sounded
queerly; and he waited for an answer
with parted lips and shadow In his
eyes which had seen in mems eyes
before
mo" said That was my mothers
name. took II for this occasion only"
His ford cheek lost a shade OF its
color and he BIT his lips as he glanced
at the lieutenant, trouble in his eyes.
I had seen these signs before, and knew
them and might have cried Chicken
beart!" in my turn; but had not
made a way of escape for him-bcfore
I declared myself-for nothing and I
held to my purpose. II think you viii
allow me-" said g-imly. that It will
not harm me even II put up with a
blow!"
IN. de Berault's courage is known"
he muttered.
And with reason" I said. THAT
helms so, suppose we say this day three
months. NJ lie Capitaine? The post
ponement to be for my convenience"
He caught the lieutenant's eye ana
looked down sullenly, the conflict in his
mind as plain as daylight He had only
TO insist and must tight; and IL by
luck or skill he could master me. his
fame az a duellist would run. like q
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
CLEAN OF cold steel already in fancy at
his breast. the loss OF life and sun
shine and the possibility Of a retreat
with honor. II without glory. I read
his face and knew before he spoke
what ne would do.
1T appears to me that the burden Is
with YOU" he said huskily: "but for
my part, am satisfied"
VERY WE'LL" | said, Il take the our
den. Permit me 10 apologize for hay
ing caused you 20 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 knew that he
was feeling very dissatisfied with him
self aud I was not surprised when he
presently said abruptly and almost
rudely. There Is one thing l think we
must settle here
What is thati" I asked.
"Our positions" he blurted out.
'Or we shall cross one another again
within the hour"
"Umphl l am not quite sure that
understand" I said.
THAT Is precisely what ] don't do
understand" he retortet, in a tone Of
surly triumph, Before came on
this duty was told that there was a
gentleman here bearing sealed orders
AAOnA AnC " w. w
Coeheforet; and l 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 II 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 don't understand. NJ lie
Rerault"
IF you mean, am the cardinals
AGENT ann" answered sternly.
ITO arrest NJ. de Cocheforet?'
ITO arrest M. de Cochsforet"
''Well-you surprise me-" no said.
Only that: but he spoke co dryiy
that felt the blood rush TO my face
Take care. Monsieur" said severely.
DO not presume too far on the incon-
venience to which your death might