Ceredo advance. [volume] (Ceredo, W. Va.) 1885-1939, 1908-08-05

slightest feeling OF enmity to you, but
grateful for the courtesy which you
have extended to me-"
And for my part" returned tho
chief. Il could wish for no more hon.
orable death than to fall by the hand
OF Monsieur. the marquis"
Il thank you," responded D'Aldaro.
saluting. and now-on guard. sir!"
Their blades crossed with a clash.
Although NJ. Claude had passed his
fortieth year his habits of living had
been such that he still retained tho
strength and activity of his earlier
manhood. D'Aldano, on the contrary.
had wasted his vitality to no small de-
gree In the pursuit Of those harmful
pleasures usually attendant on the ex-
cesses OF the wine cup. Yet for q
limited period of time while his physi-
cal powers were unexhausted, he was
probably as dangerous an antagonist
as the chief could have found IN alb
Paris.
His sword play was magnificent.
dazzling as flashes of light, and almost
irresistible In its fiery impetuosity Ho
attacked with bewildering speed from
all points of the compass, ever press
ing forward. but timing each thrust
with an accuracy and determination
that not for an instant degenerated
into wildness. To this fierce onset NJ.
Claude opposed cool, steady defense
that never faltered Hand and eyo
were In perfect accord and the chiefs
thin. flexible blade seemed to form
an impenetrable shield of steel for
h<I -
warily before D'AIdano's headlong as
sault, but ever regained his first po-
sition as the marquis retreated step
In his turn. Once as D'Aldano closed
In on his foe he was met by a bril-.
liant counter attack that locked their
hits together. and disengaging. they
fell back, by mutual consent and stood
regarding each other.
Rumor did not belle your prowess,
NJ Claude" painted the marquis. whose
bosom heaved and fell rapidly undes
the lace ruffies Of his shirt
1T did not praise that Of Monsieur
the marquis sufficiently" returned the
chief, upon whose iron muscles tho
stress OF combat appeared to have had
but little effect
DA1dano wasted no breath in reply.
Ing, but raising his blade returned to
the charge. For a few seconds the
air was vibrant with the whistle and
ring Of steel as they stood exchangins
thrusts at close quarters. The strain
was beginning to tell upon the noble
mans less seasoned frame. and M.
Claude, abandoning his cautious tao.
tics, pressed him vigorously. Sudden
ly the chiefs point darted in serpent.
Ike fashion over his opponents guard
and crimson spot appeared upon the
snow white linen covering the mar.
quis' breast. M. Claude stepped back
and raised hts weapon I'm the air a.
pAldano staggered.
You are hit" he said quietly.
1T is nothing, a mere flesh wound"
cried the marquis. Remember, this
Is to the death On guard again, sir
He sprang forward so savagely that
the chief was compelled to devote all
his care to parrying the thrusts of thu
menacfng steel, but I'm a few seconds
it became evident THAT D'Aldano was
firing rapidly. HIS breath came in
labored gasps. and the perspiration
trickled in huge drops down his face
~
NJ Claude. assuming the offensive.
drove him steadily backward ana
knew by the increasing feebleness %
his adversary's counters that the end
was near. Back, still back, retreatetf
the marquis until the wall was scarce
two feet behind him. Here he made
a final desperate stand, lunge and
parry following in such deliberate suo
cession that the chief. seeing the set
pale face that returned his gaze above
the marquis guard, could hardly be.
lieve that victory was almost in his
grasp.
But even as sense OF pity for Ais
gallant and failing opponent crossed
his mind, there came also the thought
that death in this form was the great.
est boon that he would bestow upon
his antagonist.
Setting his teeth firmly. he b~nA
down DAldano's blade with the weight
OF his nervous arm and sent home the
fatal thrust straight and true to the
nobleman's heart with all the strength
he could muster.
Down clashed the MARQUIS sword
upon the floor. a spasm OF agony con.
tracted his face, and clutchlng wildly
at the air he rolled with a choking sob
at NJ. Claude's feet. The chief dropped
MS weapon AMI raised the head of the
fallen man from the dark pool of blood
In which 1t lay, but not tremor CON
vuis"d the marble like face ana the
glazing eyes were set In the awful ar.
ity of death.
M. Claude sighed and blew a long
shrill blast on his whistle. The tranao
OF hurrying feet resounded ON ~
STAIRS and party Of men burst Into
the room. The chief pointed IT, the
silent figure lying on the floor.
THAT man atfa cl,aA -