St. Johnsbury Caledonian. [volume] (St. Johnsbury, Vt.) 1867-1919, 1910-06-22
CONTINUED

them, entered the armory hall sounds
of merriment and applause greeted the
ear.
"a little contest with the foils, a
fencing bouti Good" exclaimed For
Bythe.
Jocelyr Wray walked over to the
group, and Forsythe followed.
Bravo, Ronsdaler' A number of
people applauded.
"He has won Now the reward!
What Is it to be?"
Not so fast! Here are others"
True" Ronsdale looked around
with his cold smile. His glance vague
" included John Steele and Captain
Forsythe.
Count me out" laughed the latter.
mot in my line, don't you know, since
I joined the retired list"
However. there's Steele" Sir
Charles. pipe in hand, remarked
do you use the foils, Mr.. Steele:
asked Jocelyn Wray.
He moved forward Lord Ronsdale
stood near her, bending over with a
slightly proprietary air
'T"- Steele looked at them Only
a little"
'"Then you must try conclusions with
Lord Ronsdaler' called out Sir Charles.
las victor over the rest he must
meet all Corners"
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. l believe"
with a laugh lone or two little at
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 chal-
Ienge. John Steele tossed aside his
coat.
Ronsdale's eyes suddenly narrowed.
Expectancy made itself felt IN MS
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 nobleman's
example, he pushed back his sleeve
The action revealed the splendid arm
of the perfectly trained athlete, mark
ed, however. by a great scar extend
ing from just above the wrist to the
elbow.
bad jab that. Steele!'' cried Sir
Charles. Looks as If it might have
been made by an African spear!'
mo- John Steele smiled.
Lord Ronsdale breathed quickly.
Recent wound, 1 should say"
Not very DID, said John Steele.
eff there's a good story back Of it
We'll have it later" Captain Forsythe
remarked.
Their blades crossed. Ronsdale's
suppleness of wrist and arm, his cold
steadiness, combined with a knowl-
edge of many fine articles, had al
ready made him a favorite with those
of the men who cared to back their
opinions with odd pounds.
'"Ten to fver' one of the men near
her called out jovially. "Odds on Rons-
dale! Any takers2"
"Donew
Jocelyn saw John Steele draw him
self back sharply Just in time. She also
fancied a new. ominOus CLEAN in his
ewes. 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.
"Hello! Through the swishing Of
steel she heard again the man at hel
side exclaim, make some laughing re
mark. perhaps I'd better hedge
But even as he spoke, with fierce
thrnsting and parrying of blades, tn
end came. A sudden irresistible move
ment of John Steele's arm and the no
bIeman's blade clattered to the floor.
"Egad! l never saw anything pref
tterr' Sir Charles came forward quick
". MET your match that time, Rons
dale"
The nobleman stopped for his fol
'aThat time. yes!" he drawled.
Steele found himself walking wit
Jocelyn Wray toward the window
Across the room Il footman now ar
proached Lord Ronsdale and extende
a salver.
John Steele's glance flashed towar
Ronsdale. The telegram. then, ha
been for He saw an inscrutabl
smile cross the nobleman's face.
A door closed quietly as Lord Ron'
dale went out.
The afternoon of that same day ther
arrived at the village of Strathor
from London a discreet looking htti
man who, descending at the Code
Lion. was shown to a private sittin
room ON the second story. In abor
an hour he was joined by Lord Rom
dale.
.ewelP'-he spoke quickly fanc
YOU have a little something to tell N
Mr.. Gillett?'
"A little somethingr" The latt'
rubbed his hands. More than
tie, The special inquiry which yol