Western Kansas world., 1912-05-18

"Then our swords fell to talking
new to me- He pressed me hotly. and
at length the final position came; the
way was open.
Take it,'' he said sava agely and sent
the thrust that should have made good
his promise to bury the whole blade in
my heart
But his point never reached me, for
as his sword glided along mine. seem
ingly unopposed. caught it exactly
as Moore had shown me and wrenched
with all the strength of my wrist and
srm-
There was a sharp grinding of steel,
and then like q thing alive the dukes
sword left his hand, sped through the
air and settled thirty feet away point
downward in the turf. where it stuck
quivering and swaying like a reed in
the wind.
With cry of sharp surprise Lotzen
sprang back and watched his sword
as it circled and fell. l moved a step
toward him. Then he turned to me.
1T seems, monsieur he said softly,
'that was in error and that it is the
point of your sword and not the hilt I
am to take So be it,
He drew himself up to attention and
raised his hand in salute.
Il am waiting" he said calmly.
Ferdinand of LotZen was doubtless
q bad lot. Once that night he had Civ
en- me to assassination. and just now
ne himself had deliberately tried to
Kill me. But he was brave. with the
sort of bravery that meets death when
it. must with smiling face and a
steady eye.
And so for a space we stood, he erect
and ready. I with hand on hip and
point advanced.
: l heard the gaspS of women. a sob or
two and then the rustic of skirts, fol-
lowed instantly by Courtney's soft
command.
Stay, mazda me- The matter is for
his highness only to decide
Lotzen laughed lightly.
Strike man." he said, .'or the petit
coats will steal me from YOU
stepped back and shot my sword
into its sheath.
Co I ordered. Il do not want
your life Only depart this house
straightway and take your bravos
with you. They will have no other OPP
sir, no further meeting with the gypsy,
now nor hereafter"
He bowed low. Monsieur is pleased
to be generous" he sneered.
But l gave him my back and, remov-
ing my mask. went over to my friends.
The marquise met me with perfect
gale of apologies. But l laughed them
aside. telling her it was / who stood
in need of pardon for becoming in
volved in such Il breach OF hospitality.
Just then Colonel Moore came up
and seeing US without our masks, he
dropped his also l watched Mile
d d'Essoide's greeting to him 1t was all
even he could have wished
Il think it is about the supper hour
said Lady Vierle. Let US go in
/ offered her my arm and, masking
again. we led the way
"wfIl your highness tell me some
thing?' she asked Immediately. Did
you know your antagonist?
Il didn't see his face l evaded
She looked at me quickly. Would
it be better for me not to known
Yes said l. Il think it would"
There was really no reason why l
should shield Lotzen. yet neither was
there any reason to rattle a family
skeleton in public and raise a scandal
which would run the kingdom over
and be the gossip Of every court in
Europe.
Then 1 lifted my mask so she could
see my face
And, my dear Lady vierle,' 1 said
earnestly. If you would do me great
favor you viii promise TO forget all
about this unfortunate incident
She. too. raised her mask and looked
me frankly in the eyes
Il promise" she said
And 1 am sure she VIII keep her
word
1 know could leave It to Courtney