The Richmond Virginian. (Richmond, Va.) 1910-1920, 1910-06-08
! Bobbs-MerrFll Com papp

much in surprise as In anger.
And this scream brought Carnnch-
aei upon the scene, He was witness
ner run forward and dash his
into the soldiers face. allenstein,
Ia whom such an assault WAS unex-
pected, fell back, hurt and blinded.
The vintner, active rs a cat, saw
Carmichael coming on "a run. He
darted toward him. ana before Car
michael could prevent him. dragged
the sword-canc away. The blade
thin and plant, flashed And none
too soon. The colonel had already
drawn his saber,
Save him" Gretchen wrunge her
hands
The two blades met Spitefully, and
there were method and science on
both sides. But the sword-cane was
no match for the broad, heavy saber.
Half "a dozen thrusts and parties con
WINGED the colonel that the raging
youth knew what he Was doing. Down
sWooper the saher cuttmely The
blade of the sword-cane snapped like
a pipe-stem Tn. vintner hung the
broken part at the colonel's head
The latter lodged 1t and came on.
and there Was deaths intent
Meantime Carmichael had found a
short hop pole. and with this b" took
hand in the contest. The pole was
clumsy. but the tough wood was
stronger than steel. He hit the saher
! with good will. Back came the stct.
The colonel did not care whom OF
what ne struck at now When Car
michael returned the compliment he
Sv uug his hop-poie as the old cru
,.4n nj
this made short work OF the duel
The saber dropped uniniured. but the
colonels arm dangled ut his side. He
leaned back again the arbor, his teeth
set in his lp. FOR he was In agony.
CArmichael hung aside his primitive
weapon. his anger ahated none.
You're Il fine example OF sdt-
der. Are you made to attack "A man
this way? They will break you Tor
this or my name's not Carmichael
You couldn't leave her In peace, could
you? Well those two kisses wli
prove expensive" r|-
Bah! l have fought more tunes
than you have years 10 your count
ing, with good p Tnnkee spirit, H4
If you think IN waste my time il
flghtins a duel with you, You're up
the wrong tree"
/"1io to the devil
Not just at present. there's too
much for me TO do. But this is my
advice TO you: apply for a leave OF
absence and take the waters uf Wies-
baden. They are good tor choieric
dispositions. NOW, | return the COM
pliment: go to the devil yourself, only
choose route that will not cross
mine That's all"
Gretchen and the vintrser had van
ished. Carmichael agreed that IT was
the best thing for them to do. r.
Vintner was no coward. but he was
discreet Somebody might ask ques-
tions So Carmichael returned 10 th
consulate equally Indifferent what the
colonel did ar where ne went ~
the viutner lac thought. The not
headed Young fool, to risk his tit
Axe thatt He W'osFia so% lAter' What
he meant In regard TO Gretchen. Poor
little goose girl! They would TN,
that there was one man interested
aenough in her welfare 10 stand b.
her. Ills hands vet stung from the
contact Of wood against steel, and the
hair was damp at the edges This
was a hit OF old wartnes
Are you hurt, Exeelieucy?" asked
the clerk solicitousiy.
Hurt
Yes 1 heard "A woman scream ar
ran to the window, II was GOOD
fight But that fcllow~~ach To
run away and leave you, an outsider,
10 fight his battle"
He would have been sliced in two
If hadn't come to the front. \ hop
pole isn't half bad III bet tina
lady's man has a bad arm fer some
time to come. As for the vintner,
he had good reasons for taking tn ni
heels"
Good reasons2' But there was
SLY look IN the clerks eyes
No questions. if you please AuG
tell no one. mind. what has taken
place"
VERY Well, Excellancy." ApG
quietly the clerk returned to his ia
Bile OF figures. But later he intend
ed TO write a letter. unsigned. To his
serene highness.
Carmichael scOwling, undertook To
answer his mail. but not with any
remarkaol Die briliiancy or coherency.
And in this condition Of mind
Grumbach found him: Grumbach. ac-
compantcd by the old clockmender
from across the way, and gypsy Car
michael had never seen before
Whats up. HANG
ITO be Continued