Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1910-10-25


De Curier left her more than ever
dissatisfied With his position. Every
thing indicated that Mrs. Webster was
what she pretended TO be-she was
stopping at q first class hotel. a favor
tie hosiery for Americans, and this
partly explained her presence unat-
tended in the restaurant, but not sat
isfactorily. Though American women
had great privileges in their own coun-
try. they did not usually avail them
selves of them in foreign lands. Well,
the morning would bring developments.
He would 90 home and snatch a few
hours sleep before going on to the
ground.
At half past in the morning he call
ed at the Hotel Maurice and gave the
sleepy concierge his card for Mr.. and
Mrs. Webster. The man brought him
Il note signed by the lady saying that
Mr.. Webster had gone to the rendez-
vous and that she was so overcome by
the painful episode that she was IN
able to leave her bed.
De Curier was aStOnished. Ma fol-
he exclaimed. What a marvellous con-
dition. This man, my principal. whom
I have never seen and whom his oppo-
nent has never seen. is so eager TO
avenge the insult TO his wife that he
has no patience to wait for his second.
Mon Dieu! / must see the end Of this
affair or shall die Of curiosity"
Jumping into his carriage, be told
the driver to take him as quickly as
possible to the Bots de Boulogne. Ar
rived at the place Of meeting, he saw
Won Hollub standing with foil in his
hand, while figure, also armed, wear
ing a long, flowing cloak. was approach
ing him. De Curier sprang from his
carriage and advanced toward them.
AS he reached them the cloaked figure
threw off the outer garment and ap-
peared in a costume usual to women
who practice fencing. Astonished as
De Curier was. he was still more so
when he recognized Mrs. Webster.
"Ah, monsieur" she said. glancing al
the newcomer, you are late. Ny hus.
band not returning in time, 1 am
obliged TO take his place"
Without waiting for preliminaries
Sle ATTACKED ' on 11OllQD.
Now. Count Herman Won Hollub
who was a trusted servant of the king
Of Prussia, had spent his life in diplo
matte work, ignoring those martial
practices that have always pertained
to the nobility of that kingdom. He
knew very little about the art of sell
defense in any form. Astonished and
I,o Of "a J.,
had the grievance against him come tC
fight him instead of her husband. he
lost his head All he could do, all ht
tried to do, was to avoid the thrusts Of
his opponent.
In a few seconds his weapon haC
been wrenched from his grasp and
flying in an arc above his head, landed
a dozen yards away from him. The
woman then put the point of her fol
against his breast
Count" she said, you do not know
me. l am the wife Of Carl D.. one OF
the leaders of the late revolution In
Prussia. lie married me in New
York shortly before the revolution
and l have lived in Your country
You have come here 10 secure tbs
consent of the French government K
take my husband back to Prussia &c
be tried for treason. You have him il
prison and we're TO start today will
him for Berlin. Give me your order
for his release and your written word
that you will not proceed further
against him or | Will kill you"
The count looked into the woman's
eyes and saw a determination to act
upon her words
VIII he return to Prussia?" he
asked.
NO. He will find a home in Amer
lea"
Then ! consent"
The contract having been signed. De
Curier rode with Frau d. TO the prison
| where her husband was confined. and
the revolutionist stepped forth a free
man.
Having borne a challenge on youl
behalf" said De Curier, never hav
ing seen you. to a man 1 had never
seen, I am happy to make your ac
quaintance."
Herr d. went with his wife to Amer
lea He became n German American
citizen and a dozen years later tool
part in the great American struggle
for government by the people.