Cameron County press. [volume] (Emporium, Cameron County, Pa.) 1866-1922, 1910-06-23


and be shot at Take my word for it,
Koukolnik, his arm will tremble like
dogs tail when you pat it on the
head. If it were I, I'd rather shoot
him down than dirty my sword on
him, and I've no doubt in the world
that Romanoff will feel the same. II
we insist on the rapier, too, when this
American is, as you know, the ag-
grieved party, we shall be casting a
slur on our mans courage. No Rus
sian nobleman fears any adversary,
with any weapon"
By this time Koukolnik had taken
so many potations of vodka that the
bravado in this sentiment appealed to
him.
"You are right" he cried, "and pis-
tolls it shall be. Prince Romanoff
shall shoot this tradesman down-he
shall not soil his rapier on him"
Gortchakov was jubilant over this
arrangement and he hastened to
Hardy's quarters in the hotel to tell
him of the success of his negotiations.
"All you have to do now," said the
dapper young Russian, "is to shoot
the great bully through the heart or
between the eyes"
Hardy glanced at Gortchakov's
flushed face. He was struck by the
eagerness of his manner, and his evil
dent delight at Romanoff's mortal
peril.
Don't wait till he shoots first"
counseled the lieutenant; "for he has
a sort of awkward skill with the pistol
himself. Take aim and shoot just as
you hear the word three My associ-
ate and | will see that you do not get
into serious trouble with the law. We
shall testify to the grossness of the
insult. The princess, too, will stand
by you. Whatever her feelings for
Romanoff, she is too much Of thor
oughbred to see an injustice done, and
she has great influence with the czar."
There was a slight break in Gort-
chakov's voice when he mentioned the
name of the princess, an agitation in
his manner that suggested a possible
explanation of his hatred of Romanoff
Hardy remembered the adage: "All ls
fair in love and war"
The princess beauty was of the sort
that breeds murder in the hearts of
men.
IF her highness loves her cousin"
Hardy said, sadly, killing him will
not make her love him the less, or
or-us the more. She is not the sort
Of woman who loves twice in life
time"
she does not, she can not, know
what worthless brute he Isl" cried
Gortchakov IF she loves him. it
would be saving her from a rate worse
than death to kill him. And think OF
the insult which he heaped on you!
And | assure you that you can kill
him with perfect safety"
Hardy laid his hand on the younger
mans shoulder.
"A gentleman does not think of the
consequences to himself when he is
vindicating his honor. / shall settle
this score with Romanoff with a full
realization of all the aggravating cir
cumstances."
Gortchakoy seized the Americans
hand impulsively.
Pardon me, my friend" he said.
81 intend no imputation on your cour-
age; but there are others besides my
self who are tired OF this great bully,
K0manofi"
when is the meeting to take
place. asked Hardy
Tomorrow morning at eight. In a
grove on the banks of the river. If
You viii permit me, I shall call for you
at hall-past seven with my slodge, and
shall drive you there"
~ shall be deeply Indebted to you.
And now. If you viii take no olenae.
shall ask YOU 20 excuse me, as
must get "a good nights rest. There Is
mo- medicine like sleep and plenty OF
It. 90 make the hand steady and the
eye clear"
The young Russian glanced at ths
other udmirIueIy
You have thc nerve of "a Russ'Nn!"
cor OF am American. replied Hardy.
smiling You win Gud ua ready &C
1880, and don't fail 10 be- ou time. We
must not be one second late at this
rendezvous"
Leu 10 himself Hardy sat for n
long tlme witch bis head .u his hands.
thinking
OF hs ability ta kIu Rumauon at
Tho distance agreed 80 paecs-he
had not ths Iahtaat doubt he was
also aware that he stood a chance
himself ut being wounded. or OF losing
bis lIIe Rumuuaa .uloyed che repu-
uuou uI belus aIr shot though