Gilpin observer., 1910-05-19


and be shot at. Take my word for 1t,
Koukolnik, his arm will tremble like
dogs tail when you pat it on the
head. If it were 7, I'd rather shoot
him down than dirty my sword ON
him, and I've no doubt in the world
that RomsnoH will feel the same II
we insist on ths rapier, too, when this
American is, as you know, the ag-
grieved party, we shall be casting .
slur on our mans courage. No Rus
sian notseman fears any adversary.
with any weapon"
By this time Koukolnik had taken
so many rotations of vodka that the
bravado in this sentiment appealed to
him.
you are right" he cried, land pis.
tolls 1t shall be. Prince Romanoff
shall shoot this tradesman down-hs
shall not soil his rapier on him."
Gortchakov was jubilant over this
arrangement and he fastened 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
pet"een the eyes.
Hardy glanced at Gortchakov's
flushed face. He was struck by tho
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 1 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 a thor
oughbred to see an injustice done, and
she has great influence with the car"
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 is
fair in love and war
The princess beauty was CT 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 a life
time"
She does not, she can not, know
what worthless brute he is!' cried
Gortchakov. IF she loves him. IL
would be saving her from a rate worse
than death to kill him. And think OF
the insult which he heaped on you!
And I 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 il
indicating his honor. l shall settle
this score with Romanoff with full
realization of all the aggravating cir.
cumstances."
Gortchakov seized the Americans
hand impulsively.
Pardon me, my friend" he said.
Il intend no imputation on your cour-
age; but there are others besides my.
self who are tired of this great bully.
Romanoff"
When is the meeting to take
| placer" asked Hardy.
Tomorrow morning at eight, in .
grove on the banks of the river. II
you will permit me, shall call for you
at half-past seven with my sledge, and
shall drive you there"
Il shall be deeply indebted to you,
And now, if you will take no offense,
l shall ask you to excuse me, as I
must get good nights rest. There IL
no medicine like sleep, and plenty Of
1t, to make the hand steady and the
eye clear"
The young Russian glanced at the
other admiringly.
You have the nerve of a Russian!.
"Or of an American" replied Hardy,
smiling. You will find me ready at
1880. and don't fail to be on time. We
must not be one second late at this
rendezvous"
Left to himself. Hardy sat for .
long time with his head in his hands,
thinking.
or his ability to kill Romanoff at
the distance agreed ONO paces-he
had not the slightest doubt. He was
also aware that he stood a chance
himself of being wounded, or of losing
his life. Romanoff enjoyed the repu.
tation of being fair shot, though
how much this meant in Russia, Hardy
had no means OF Judging. Probably
not much. according to American
standards: but even poor shot will
sometimes hit the mark.
Was the princess in love with her
cousin? The more Hardy debated
this possibility in his mind, the more
1t took on the shape and tangibleness
OF probability. That she had COM