The independent-reporter. [volume] (Skowhegan, Me.) 1909-1955, 1911-08-24

In position of defense.
Now. Nine. de In Tour, though she
expected to meet skillful swordsmen
knew that II she showed her own pro
ficiency she would give herself away
for these men oil knew that De In Toui
was bungler. Being woman, a
first her nerve failed her, and she came
very near losing her life by single
thrust Of her adversary. The thought
of her two innocent children. who
would be rendered motherless II sht
did not control herself. made her per
fectly cool. aud, though she did not dc
what she was capable of doing. she die
all that was necessary. She dreaded
killing her adversary or even wound
Ing him. She therefore sent his weap
on flying in the air.
De Fontayne picked 1t up with the
intention of continuing the fight, but
his second interfered. claiming thai
1t was not now his part to fight. By
this time Yvon's nerve was as steady
as a rock. She pinked her adversary
though unintentionally. then disarmed
him The third man she served as she
had. served the first Then she STROBE
away to her carriage without turning
back for a glance at the three men,
who stood looking at one another and
her In establishment
But madame did not have a chance
to mount the steps Of the carriage the
lot
sound Of horses hoofs was heard, and
an officer. followed by dozen horse
men. rode up.
by order of his eminence the prime
minister" he said, II arrest you all
and am ordered to conduct you to the
Palais Cardinal"
The affair had got out at the bar
racks, some one. wishing to curry favor
with the man who ruled France hay
ing peached. WON was permitted tt
ride back to Paris In her carriage, the
others on horseback, all surrounded by
guards. AT the Palais Cardinal they
were obliged to wait several hours be
fore the minister was ready to receive
them; then when they were admitted
to his presence by the thundercloud
Yyon had worn her mask up to this
moment. The cardinal saw 1t and sale
with icy sarcasm
Lieutenant de la Tour. you remind
me of the ostrich, which hides his head
In the sand to conceal its body. Your
I rnt
with 1t uncovered. You will oblige me
by removing your mask"
Pardon, your eminence," interposed
De Fontayne. 81 doubt IL he is De la
Tour This one Is a marvel with the
rapier; De Ia Tour Is an Indifferent
fencer This one disarmed us all In
turn"
I'VE have need of such men," said
the cardinal to WON. you would be
better employed In my service. l would
see you fence with Carrier If you
can disarm Carrier you will save your
head. Unmaskw
IF l unmask. your eminence, ! can
not fight"
wait till you have fought"
Carrier was ole OF those picked men
the cardinal kept about him for pro
lection and marvel with the rapier.
The two were given foils, this being O
great advantage to won. who dreaded
bloodshed. For awhile 1t was drawn
game between the two. but finally, by
one of those quick moves that only q
gift nerve, SO to speak. can accomplish
WON placed the button of her foil
against her adversary's heart.
Enough" cried the cardinal. "Vic
tor, unmask!"
won took off her face covering, and
in doing so her hair. which had in so
many trays became unloosened, fell
on her shoulders.
"a womanr' exclaimed Richelieu, as
tonished.
"A woman. your excellency." she
replied. 1.-The wife of Lieutenant de
la Tour"
"Your husband. Where is hep"
shut up In our country place.
ltiNhcu hin. huoWluB VI youI GILL
nence's edict against men fighting
duels. determined to fight In his
place. Surely the order does not apply
to women"
you are very shrewd," said his emil
hence dryly.
At this point an attendant announc-
ed to the cardinal that Lieutenant de
la Tour was without and begged to be
admitted. The request was granted,
and De la Tour, very hot and very red
and very angry, entered. He looked
at everybody. finally fixing his eyes on
his wife. Then he turned to the car
dinal.
II have heard, your eminence. that
my wife has been fighting In my stead
and that the party was brought here
by your eminence's order. Meanwhile
have been shut up like dog and
have just escaped"
Your wife has saved you first from
n better swordsman and second from
my headsman." Then turning to WON:
Mime. de la Tour. her majesty has
graciously appointed you her mistress
of the robes. BY your pluck and skill
you have saved every one Of these
men. including your husband. from the
block"
Then won approached her husband
shamefacedly, hung her head and
glanced up at him appealingly. He
half turned away from her with fold