The L'Anse sentinel. (L'Anse, L.S., Mich.) 18??-current, 1908-07-25
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posterity, II not by yourself. First OF
all, will you give me your word that
you will submit to my proposition.
which involves no question OF my es-
cape? II not will reluctantly be
obliged to shoot you. and then turn
this weapon on myself ere your men
can gain the stairway"
M. Claude shrugged his shoulders
again.
you leave me scant choice" he
said, calmly; land am willing to
confess that am not DESTROYS of be-
ing dispatched post haste to para.
disc with the aid of ball from your
pistol. l agree"
DAldano laid down his pistol and
producing a handsomely chased gold
snuff box, inhaled pinch of the mix
ture therein with extreme zest. He
passed the box to the chief who fol.
lowed his example and bowed In ac-
acknowledgement of the courtesy.
Now" said the marquis gayly, II
intend to entrust you with a secret
which will prove that instead of seek
ing to avoid, am indeed counting
death"
Removing his coat he barred his
forearm, exposing to view bluish-red
puncture about half an inch in length,
Just above the wrist, which stood out
in bold relief against the white skin.
THAT mark" he said, tapping the
scar gently with his forefinger, SIS
my passport to another world. NJ.
Claude"
The chief stared uncomprehending-
ly. and the marquis dropped back into
his chair with light laugh.
"a few hours ago." he said, when
I realized that all avenues of escape
from Paris were closed to me, re-
solved to adopt a measure which
would insure an early death by my
own hand, should the boon of dying
as BELTS one of my race be denied. II
would have been simpler as well as
less painful to have blown out my
brains, but I chung to the hope of
falling by the sword of worthy foe
man, II such consummation could be
brought about. Do you understand"
II begin to perceive the drift Of
your argument" returned the chief.
But may ask what means you sum-
moned to your assistance in escaping
the hand of the executioner"
Certainly" assented the marquis.
"a man worthy of crossing swords
with me is also deserving of my conf
dence and you shall have 1t In full.
The wound In my arm, Insignificant
though 1t may appear, is none the less
deadly. 1t was caused by the prick
Of dagger, the point Of which had
been tipped with poison taken from
the diseased bone Of putrid human
body. Its extreme virulence would
not be made manifest for several
hours to come, but have the author
ity Of one of frances most eminent
physicians for stating that such pois-
on is absolutely sure In its effects.
True, one would labor under the tri-
fling inconvenience of enduring in
tense agony at the final climax, but
that Is a mere matter of detail with
which ! am not concerned. Besides.
your fame as swordsman leads me
to imagine that l may perchance ex-
pire In an easier and more gentle
manly fashion. think / am not mis-
taken when I infer that you are one
Of the best wielders of a good steel
bade in this degenerate age"
Il followed the profession Of mas
ter of arms before entering the police
service" was the chiefs reply.
Good" exclaimed the marquis,
merrily. What more could l ask?
A man Of honest II not noble blood
and skilled in the management of his
weapon. warn you however, M.
Claude, that | myself am no novice in
the art of fencing"
III report speaks truly. there Is not
swordsman in the country that
possesses stronger wrist or keener
eye than the Marquis D'Aldano," re-
turned the chief
The marquis smiled again. "A truce
to compliments, M. Claude" he ex-
claimed springing to his feet and denud-
ing himself Of his waistcoat Thine
presses and an occasional twinge un-
der the armpit, that resembles the
stab of red-hot needle, warns me the
poison Is beginning to work. And I
would fain be at my best during
this last tilt with Fortune"
BE 1t so. since you insist" respond
ed the chief, as he methodically re-
moved his upper garments.
DAldano turned to closet in the
rear of the apartment and unlocking
the door, produced from therein two
swords Of equal length and exquisite
temper. He rendered the hits to M.
Claude, who took one in his hand and
placing the point on the floor bent It
almost double. The 1.-the steel blade
sprang back into its original shape
with kissing ound when released. and
the chief smiled approvingly.
"An excellent piece Of Steel" he re.
marked with the air of connoisseur
as the marquis moved back the table
and chairs, leaving clear space In the
center Of the room.
"One thing more, M. Claude" sid
DAldano gravely. II wish to assure
you that should victory rest on your
side win die. not only devoid Of the