The Kendrick gazette. [volume] (Kendrick, Idaho) 1892-1968, 1910-08-05


Nothing to be put out by being
beaten by 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 af-
fairs of honor"
Honor. Steele's glance swung
around. played brightly on the noble
man.
The latter's face remained .mpas-
sive. He lifted his foil carelessly and
swung it. The hiss that followed
might have been construed as cha-
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 it gives greater freedom Of
movement myself"
Perhaps you are right" Steele said
coolly, and. following the nobeman's
example, he pushed back his sleeve.
The action revealed the splendid arm
Of the perfectly trained athlete, mark
ed. however. by 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!'
mo" John Steele smiled.
Lord Ronsdale breathed quickly.
Recent wound. should say"
mot very DID," said John Steele.
"If there's good story back of 1t
Wen have it later" Captain Forsythe
remarked
Their blades crossed. Ronsdale's
suppleness Of wrist and arm. his cold
steadiness, combined with 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 fivev' one of the men near
her called out jovially. "Odds on Rons-
dale! Any takers?"
"Donew
JoceIyn saw John Steele draw him
self back sharply just in time. She also
| fancied new, ominous CLEAN In bis
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 panther.
"Helo" 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 as he spoke. with fiercer
thrusting and parrying of blades. the
end came A sudden irresistible move
ment of John Steele's arm and the no
bleman's blade clattered to the floor.
"Egad! l never saw anything pref
tier" Sir Charles came forward quick
ly. Met your match that time. Rons
dale"
The nobleman stopped for his fda.
THAT time. yes!" he drawled.
Steele found himself walking with
Jocelyn Wray toward the window
Across the room footman now ap-
preached Lord Ronsdale and extended
a salver.
John Steele's glance flashed toward
Ronsdale The telegram, then, had
been for He saw an inscrutable
smile cross the nobleman's face.
A door closed quietly as Lord Ronx-
dale went out.
The afternoon of that same day there
arrived at the village OF Strathorr
from London discreet looking iittie
man who, descending at the Golden
Lion, was shown to private sitting
room on the second story. In aborn
an hour he was joined by Lord Rons-
dale.
"Well"-he spoke quickly-"I fancy
you have little something to tell ns.,
Mr.. Gillett"
"A little somethingr The latdfn
rubbed his hands. More than a Lii
tie. The special inquiry which yocE
lordship mentioned just as he WA
leaving my Office proved for time
most Elusive"
You mean the object Of John
Steele's visit to the continent?"
Exactly. And. the object OF thsS
visit solved. have now matter af
greatest Importance to communicase.
SO important it could only be impaired
by word Of mouth" The police agea,
spoke hastily and moved nearer.
Indeed! You have reached con
clusion, one that you sought to re
ject perhaps. but that wouldn't be dis
carded?"
} Mr.. Gillett looked at him earnestly
; "You don't mean-it isn't possible that
YOU knew all the while%
.Let US start ut the beginning.
Iro BE CONTINUED