The Washington times., 1909-10-21
A STORY OF GRAUSTARK
GEORGE BARR MCCUTCHEON
Copyright. 1903. by Dodd. Mead & Co.

Il am nOt-not what you would call
an expert, she said frankly.
You mean in handling broadswords, -
he said in his most suaVe manner. 1T s
cunning little thing. isn't it2" He
picked up the pOnderous blade 1
don't wonder you nearly dropped II on
your toes"
There must have been giants in
those days" she said, slight shudder
passing over her.
''Whoppers.' he 4. reed eagerly. i've
thought somewhat u buying the old
thing. Not to use, of course I'm not
a giant"
You're not a pigmy." she supple
mented, her eyes sweeping his long
figure COMPREHENSIVE.
What's the price, ne asked, MS
courage faltering under the cool, i'm
I DO not know My uncle has told
II think he did. But I've got a
wretched memory when 1t comes to
She laughed. This is such very
old brOadswOTd, too she said. 1T
goes back beyond the memory of man. +"
How does IT come that you don't
know the price2" he asked, watching
her narrowly. She met his inquir1ng
look with perfect composure.
Il am quite new at the trade. I hope
YOU viii excuse my ignorance Ny
uncle will be here in q moment" She
was turning away with an air that con-
WINGED King Of one thing. she was a
person who, In no sense, had ever been
called upon to serve others
so I've heard" he observed. The
bait took effect She looked up quick
": he was confident that a startled
expression fitted across her face.
you have heard2 What have you
heard, of me?" she demanded.
THAT you are new at the business, !"
he replied coolly. You are stranger
in a strange land, so they say"
''You have been making Inquiries"
she asked, disdain succeeding d!smay-
Tentatively, that's all. Ever since
you peeked out of the window up
there and laughed at me. I'm curious,
you see"
She stared at him in silent intensity
for a moment. That's why I laugh
ed at you. You were very curious
Am I so bad as all that?' he Ia
She ignored the question why
should you be interested in me, sir2'
Mr.. King was inspired TO fabricate
in the interest Of psyChiCal research.
Because I have heard that you are
not the niece of old man Spantz." He
watched intently TO catch the effect
Of the declaration.
She merely stared at him. There
was not so much as the fiutter Of an
eyelid. You have heard nothing of
the kind" she said. cOldIy.
Wen, I'll confess I haven't" he ad-
mitted cheerfully. II was expert
menting. I'm an amateur Sherlock
Holmes. It pleases me TO deduce that
you are not related to the armOrer-
You don't look the part"
Now she smiled divinely. And why
not pray? His sister was my
IN order to establish a line on
which to base my calculations, would
you mind telling me who your father
is2 He asked the question with
his most appealing smile-a smile so
frankly impudent that she could not
resent it.
My mothers husband she replied.
In the same spirit.
Wen, that is quite cluer he ex-
claimed Pom my soul. I believe I'm
on the right track Excuse me for
continuing. but is he count or a
duke, or just a."
My father is dead" she interrupt
ed. without taking her now serious
gaze from his face.
Il beg your pardon" he said at once.
m sorry if I've hurt you.
My mother is dead Now can Won
understand why / am living here with
my uncle2 Even an amateuc may rise
TO that Now, sir, do you expect to
purchase the sword? If not, I shall
replace il in the window"
That's what / came here for" said
he. resenting her tone ana the Icy look
she gave him.
Il gathered that you came in the
capacity Of Sherlock HOlmes-Or some
words with unmistakable meaning.
You mean as a -' he hesitated
flushing
You knew 7 was alone, sir
BY Jove, you're wrong there.
give YOU my word. I didn't. II I'd
known u, I'd surely have come in
sooner There, forgive me I'm par
ucularly iight-headed and futile today,
and / hope - Beg pardon2'
She was leaning toward him. her
hands on the counter, a peculiar
CLEAN IN her dark eyes-which now,
for the first time struck him as
rather more keen and penetrating than
he had suspected before.
Il simply want 10 tell you, Mr. King
that unless you really expect to buy
this sword IL IS not wise In you to
make It an excuse for coming here"
My dear young lady, ~
My uncle has queer conception
OF the prOprieties. He may think that
you come 10 see me" A radiant smile
leaped into her face, Transforming its