The Glenwood post., 1912-08-17

Hold on there! hold on!" he com.
manded shortly. "Who are you? What
the devil are you skulking about out
here for?"
1t was Grant beyond a doubt: I
would recognize the peculiar snarl Of
that voice in a thousand. He had not
gone upstairs then; had not rejoined
the lady in the dining-room. What
would she think of his absence =?
What would she do when she realized
its probable meaning? Someway | was
not frightened. at thus meeting him,
but glad-if those others would only
keep away, and let US settle the affair
between us. Here was his test-a
coward would cry out an alarm, sum
mon the guard to his assistance, but,
II the fellows nerve only held, or II he
hated me badly enoTgh, he'd fight it
out alone. All this came to me in a
flash. and the words of challenge
spoken before he oven grasped the
thought Of who I was.
$50 have discovered you, have L?
Why did you fail to keep our appoint
ment withinl"
He drew up sharply with an oath,
pesring at me through the dark, be-
wildered by my speech.
"The spyl Ys gods. what luckl Do
you mean to insinuats l ran away,
sir?"
"How else could 1 interpret it?" 1
questioned coolly. determined to taunt
him to action. Il waited where you
told me till I was tired. Perhaps you
will oblige me by explaining your pur-
pose"
He muttered something, but without
comprehending It's purport l went on
threateningly:
"And think you made use of the
word spy just now. Did you mistake
me for another?"
mistake you7 No; I'd know you in
hell" he burst forth. anger making his
voice tremble. II called you a spy, and
you are one. you sneaking night rat.
You never waited for me in the par
lor; If you had you'd now be under ar.
rest"
"Oh, so that was the p1an?"
Eyes. that was 1t, Mister Lieutenant
FortesQue."
"Well. Grant," said sternly, 1--WE
got just one answer to make you. You
can call your guard, or you can fight
it out with me here. Whichever you
choose will depend upon whether you
are a man, or cur" l took step
learer, watching him as best l could
the dark. You are an unmitigated
liar, SIR" and with sudden sweep of
the arm struck him with open hand.
Probably you VIII realize what that
means"
For an instant he remained SO still
1 doubted him. even held him cheap;
then the breath surged through his
clinched teeth In a mad oath. He
surged toward me-. but my sword was
out, the steel blocking his advance.
"You-you actually mean fight?"
"Why not? Isn't that cause enough
II not l will furnish more"
81 do not fight spies"
"Stop! That silly charge is merely
an excuse. You do not believe it your
self. You wanted q quarrel yonder in
the ballroom. The expression of your
eyes was an insult. Don't evade now
am here, wearing the uniform Of the
British army. have every right of a
gentleman. and you will cross swords,
or I'll brand you coward wherever
there is an English garrison"
saw the sudden flash of his drawn
blade, and flung up my own in guard.
wait; not hero. Captain" insisted
quickly. We're far too near your
watchful friends yonder; besides the
light is poor. Let's try our fortunes
beyond the pavilion. where 1t can be
simply man to man"
He turned without word. and fol-
lowed, eager enough to have done
with the business. The stars cleaned
on the naked weapons held in our
hands, but We exchanged no words
until we had rounded the corner and
come forth into the open space be-
yond.
| NIAa~E0