The Rice belt journal. (Welsh, Calcasieu Parish, La.) 1900-19??, 1908-12-04
far as I am concerned until one or
the other Of us is-incapable Of con-
tinuing the fight. Unless, Of course,
I ord Stratheate GeSireS different ar.

| the other Of US is-incapable Of con-
tinuing the fight Unless, Of course,
Lord Strathgate desires different ar
engagements"
"Blythedale," said Strathgate, sharp
ly, you may say that Lord Strathgate
is entirely satisfied with any PROPOSE
ton which may be made"
Very well, gentlemen" said Blythe,
| dale, much amazed at this very IN
usual interference Of the principals IN
an affair Of this kind You may take
your positions. You will first take off
! your coats, WaistCOats and shoes. 1t
| is mere matter of form, but I shall
have to inspect YOU, Lord Darlington,
and Lieutenant Parkman will have
the same privilege with my principal"
At the word the two men dlvested
themselves OF their coats. swords and
Waistcoats. which DR.. Nevinson kindly
picked up and piled on the edge Of the
! clearing out Of the way. They kicked
off their shoes, too, and stood forth
in their stocking feet, in shirts and
| trousers. BIythedale rapidly ran his
hand across the body Of Darlington to
see that he had on no illegal garment
which might turn Or ward a blow
You have lOCket there, my lord,'
he said stopping in his search.
Il had forgotten it, said Caring
! ton. turning crimson.
He reached his hand up, unbuttoned
| his collar, drew forth the lOcket, and
| handed it to Dr. Nevnson. 1t con.
tanned picture of his wife Ellen
recognized it as one she had given
him in the early days of their married
life. Parkham's inspection of the
other combatant had developed moth
ing
Il presume said Strathgate, with
an evil laugh, that the victor takes
! the locket and the lady.
This" began Parkman, his face
flushing at the insult, is most unusual
and improper, and | appeal to you,
Lord Blythedale."
you're right, Parkman. Damn We,
Strathgate." cried Blythedale, hot and
angry, Il never heard of such conduct.
Another remark like that and I re-
fuse to act in your behalf You have
your man where you want him, before
your swords point You can let that
talk for you in the future
Give yourself no concern as to
what Lord Strathgate says, Parkman,"
said Darlington, coolly. He hasn't
much time to talk, and I'm disposed to
let him enjoy his remaining opportu-
mites to the full
How grand and noble looked my
lord in crouching Ellen's eyes then!
Strathgate did not seem quite 50
pleased with himself as he had been
when he made the unlucky remark.
Are you ready, gentlemen?' said
Blythedale, looking from one to the
! other.
Ready" said Strathgate, stepping
lightly forward with appraised sword.
Darlington said nothing, but grimly
| came to position.
My principal desires no saluting,"
| said Parkman, stepping between the
two men
Very good, we are satisfied" re-
turned Blythedale. Lieutenant Park
man will give the word Engage and
after that ye may go at it when We
will"
Blythedale drew his own sword
and stepped near the two combatants,
facing each other for all the world like
two tigers waiting to spring at each
others threats. Parkman also
whipped out his sword and took posi-
ton opposite Blythedale. The doctor
Strengthened up and peered curiously
at the little group.
Ellen's heart stopped its beating. She
and Deborah lay side by side as close as
they could get staring through the
leaves.
Parkman looked from one to the
other. Strathgate had a little smile
upon his lips. He bore himself gal
lantly. There was no denying that.
His air was one of Indifference, as II
he were slightly bored by the proceed.
ing, although his eyes were shining.
Darlington, on the contrary, was very
pale. His lips were compressed his
brow Wrinkled He looked the per-
sonification of determination and in his
eyes, too, was light.
The two men stood up, each with his
sword turned downward, the point
resting on his right foot, which was
slightly advanced and at right angles
to the left foot Each man had his
left hand behind his back.
Parkman drew a long breath and
cried sharply:
Engage"
On the instant two flashes of light
split the air. The next moment there
was sharp ring of steel, and the men
stood facing each other with knees
bont oy+onI~I Lea ,,,,,,