Washington standard. [volume] (Olympia, Wash. Territory) 1860-1921, 1910-08-05

hallT'
John Steele turned quickly to the
servant, so quickly a close observer
might have fancied he welcomed the
interruption. Captain Forsythe's and
Mr.. Steele's compliments to Sir
Charles" he said at once. land say 1t
will give them pleasure to comply"
As Steele and his companion, togeth-
e with Jocelyn Wray. who had Joined
them, entered the armory hall sounds
Of merriment and applause greeted the
ear.
"a little contest with the foils, a
fencing bout! Goodw exclaimed For
sythe
Jocelyn Wray walked over to the
group. and FOrsythe followed.
Bravo. Ronsdalew A number Of
people applauded.
"IIe has won. Now the reward!
What is 1t to bei"
Not so fast. Here are Others"
True" Ronsdale looked around
with his cold smile His glance vague
ly included John Steele and Captain
Forsythe.
Count me out" laughed the latter.
mot in my line. don't you know. since
I joined the retired list"
However, there's Steele" Sir
Charles, pipe In hand, remarked.
do you use the foils. Mr.. Steele?"
asked JOcelyn Wray.
He moved forward. Lord Ronsdale
stood near her. bending over with
slightly proprietary air.
~ Steele looked ut them. "Only
a little"
Then you must try conclusions with
Lord Ronsdalew called out Sir Charles.
"As victor over the rest he must
meet all Corners"
Nothing to be put out by being
beaten 10y Ronsdale." interposed an
observer. Had the reputation of be-
Ing one of the best swordsmen on the
continent: has even had. believe"
with a laugh zone or two little AZ
fairs Of honor"
"Iionor" Stecle's glance swung
around. played brightly on the noble
man.
The iatter's face remained :mpas-
sive. He lifted his foil carelessly aud
swung 1t. The hiss that followed
might have been construed as a chal
lenge. John Steele tossed aside his
coat.
Ronsdale's eyes suddenly narrowed.
Expectancy made itself felt In his
manner. Aren't you going to roll up
your sleeve?" he asked softly. "Usu-
ally find 1t gives greater freedom Of
movement myself"
Perhaps you are right" Steele said
coolly. and. following the nobleman's
example. he pushed back his sleeve.
The action revealed the splendid arm
Of the perfectly trained athlete. mark
ed. however. by q great scar extend
Ing from just above the wrist to the
elbow.
bad jab that. Steelew cried Sir
Charles. Looks as If 1t might have
been made by an African spear!"
"NO." John Steele smiled.
Lord Ronsdale breathed quickly.
"Itecent wound. should say"
mot very DID," said John Steele.
III there's a good story back Of 1t
we'll have 1t later" Captain Forsythe
remarked.
Their blades crossed. Ronsdale's
supplencss Of wrist and arm. his cold
steadiness. combined with a knowl-
edge Of many fine articles. had al
ready made him favorite with those
of the men who cared to back their
opinions with odd pounds.
Ten to fve! one of the men near
her called out jovially. "Odds on Rons-
dale! Any takers?"
"Done"
Jocelyn saw John Steele draw him.
self back sharply just in time She also
fancied n new. OminOus CLEAN In his
eyes. His demeanOr underwent an
abrupt change. If Ronsdale's quick
ness was catlike the others movements
had now all the swiftness and grace
Of q panther.
"Hello! Through the swishing Of
steel she heard again the man at her
side exclaim. make some laughing re-
mark. perhaps I'd better hedge
But even az he spoke. with q dercer
thrusting and parrying of blades. the
end came. A sudden irresistible move
ment Of John Steeles arm and the no.
bleman's blade clattered to the floor.
"Egad! l never saw anything pref
tier" Sir Charles came forward quick.
~. MET your match that time. Rons-
dale"
The 7nobleman stopped for his foil.
THAT time, yes" he drawled.
Steele found himself walking with
Jocelyn Wray toward the window.
Across the room a footman now ap-
preached Lord Ronsdale and extended
q salver.
John Steele's glance flashed toward
Ronsdale. The telegram. then, had
been for He saw IN inscrutable
smile cross the noblemap's face.
A door closed quietly as Lord Rous-
dale went out.
The afternoon Of that same day there
arrived at the village of Strathorn
from London q discreet looking little
man who. descending ut the Golden
Lion. was shown to a private sitting
room on the second story. In about
an hour he was joined by Lord Rons-
dale.
"Welr'-he spoke quickly-"I fancy
you have little something to tell me,
Mr.. Cilleftf'
"a little something." The latter
rubbed his hands More than q lit
tie! The special inquiry which your
lordship mentioned Just rs he was
leaving my Office proved for a time
most Elusive"
You mean the object Of John
Steele's visit TO the continenti"
Exactly. And. the object Of that
visit solved. have now q matter Of
greatest importance to communicate,
20 important 1t could only be impaired
By word Of mouth" The police agent
spoke hastily and moved nearer.