The watchman and southron. [volume] (Sumter, S.C.) 1881-1930, 1907-02-13
T. q
coswss,. 1884, b DoM.
Head md 6aaRsU

In his heart he knew Baldos to be
man of superior birth and foeman
not to be despised from his own sta
ton. Carried away by passion, ne
flashed his sword from its sheath
"You have drawn on me, sir" he
snarled. .eI must defend myser
against even such as you. You will
find that 1 am no coward. Time is
short for your gallant lover, madam.
Before she could utter word OF pro-
fest the blades had clashed, and they
were hungry for blood. It was dark
Ia the shadows Of the tres, and the THO
we're quite alone with heir tragedy.
She heard Baldos laugh recklessly IN
response to Marlanx's cry Of:
ooh. the shame of fighting with such
carrion as you!"
'eDon't jest at time like this' count
said the guard softly. Remember
that lose, no matter which way it
goes. If you kill me I lose, it beat
you lose. Remember. you can still
have ne shot FOR insuoerdinaf'on ana
conduct uDbecomtng
..stop!2 almost shrieked Beverly. At
the risk Of personal injury she rushed
between the $40 swordsmen. Both
drew back ana dropped taeiI points.
Not a dozen passes had been made.
'1 beg your highness' pardon" muir
INJURED Baldos, but he did not sheathe
his sword.
teHe forced it upon me-" cried Mar
lanx triumphantly. ''You were wit
ness to it all. I was a fool to let it go
as far as this. Put up your sword un-
til another day-if that day ever comes
to you
"He will have you shot for this,
Ealdos," cried Beverly in her terror.
Baidos laughed bitterly.
'aTied and blindfolded, too, your high
ness, to prove that he is brave man
and not coward. It was short, but it
was sweet. Would that you had let
the play go on. There was spice IN
it that made life worth living and death
worth the dying. Have you other COM
nands for me, your highness?" His
manner was so cool and defiant that
she felt the tears spring to her eyes.
"only that you put up your sword
and end this miserable affair by going
to your-your room.
"It is punishment enough. Tomor-
rows execution can be 10 harder"
Marlanx had been thinking all this
time. Into his soul came the thrill Of
triumph. the consciousness Of a mighty
power. He saw the chance to benefit
by the sudden clash, and he was not
slow to seize it.
Never fear, my man." he said cas-
lily; at won't be as bad as that. I can
we'll afford to overlook your indiscre-
ton of tonight There will be no exc
cution. as you call it. This was an
affair between men, not between man
and the state Our gracious referee is
to be our Judge. 1t Is for her to par.
don and to condemn. 1t was very
pretty while it lasted, and you are too
good a swordsman to be shot. Go your
way. EalGos. and remember me as
Marla1x tie man, not Marlanx the
gerera5 rs your superior officer. I
eongratn3 3afe and commend you upon
tl.e manner In which you serve the
princess
"You viii always find me ready to
fight and to die for her," said Baldos
gravely. do you think you can re-
member that. Count Marlanx"
"I have al excellent memory" said
the count steadily. With graceful
salute to -cv erly, Baldos turned and
walked away in the darkness.
"a perfect gentleman, Miss Calhoun.
but a wrerched soldier" said Marlanx
g-imly.
"He Is a hero" she said quietly, a
great calmness coming over her. do
you mean it when you say you are not
going to have him punished? He did
only what man should do, and /
glory in his folly"
sI may as we'll tell you point blank
that YOU alone can save him. He does
not deserve leniency. 1t is In my pow
er and it is my province to have him
utterly destroyed not only for this
nights work. but for other and better
reasons. hare positive proof that he
is a spy. He knows l have this proof.
That is why he would have killed me
just now. 1t is for you to say whether
he shall meet the fate of q spy or go