The Cairo bulletin., 1912-06-03

peioTe the STABLE door--a Grenadter,
from the outline of his hat-and 9th.
ers, little group, were sitting on the
grass dozen feet away. II they had
not been already warned / might gain
horse by boldness, but the probabil.
ity was that here was where Carter
had mounted his squad, and | would
merely walk forward into a trap.
had better chance the possibility that
some visitor had left a horse tied in
'front.' or to one of the stands. With
this possibility in mind | turned, and
skirted the house. making myself as
inconspicuous as possible. There were
soldiers on the outside steps; | heard
their voices without seeing them. and
was thus driven to run swiftly across
an open space. memory guiding me
toward the opposite pavilion. Breath
less, with heart beating fast. I
crouched low in the shadow, endeayor.
Ing to make out my more immediate
surroundings. There were no horses
there. but | could clearly distinguish
the stomping Of restless hoofs some.
where to the right. AS Strengthened
up, determined upon discovering an
empty saddle If possible, the hgure Of
man suddenly doomed directly in
front advancing toward me. In
startled surprise took one step back
ward. but was too late. Already tha
eyes OF the newcomer had perceived
my presence, and he sprang forward.
Juggling at his sword,
Hold on there! hold on!" he COM
manded shortly. who are you? What
the devil are you skulking about out
here fort"
1t was Grant beyond doubt; I
would recognize the peculiar s1arl 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 tesla
coward would cry out an alarm, sum-
mon the guard to his assistance, but,
II the fellows nerve only held, or II no
hated me badly no7gh, he'd fight 1t
out alone. All this came to me In a
flash, and the words OF challenge
spoken before he even grasped the
thought Of who | was.
$50 / have discovered you. have /?
Why did you fail to keep our appoint
| ment within2"
He drew up sharply with an oath.
| pearing at me through the dark, be-
wildered by my speech.
The spy! Ye gods, what luck! Do
you mean to insinuate | ran away.
sir?"
How else could I interpret it?"
| questioned coolly. determined to taunt
him to action. Il waited where you
told me till | was tired. Perhaps you
will oblige me by explaining your pur-
pose"
He muttered something, but without
comprehendng its purport went ON
threatenlngly:
"And think you made use Of the
word spy just now. Did you mistake
me for another"
Mistake you? No; Ih know you in
hell" he burst forth, anger making his
voice tremble. Il called you a spy, and
you are one, you sneaking night rat.
You never waited for me In the par
Tor; II you had you'd now be under ar.
rest"
"Oh, so that was the plan?"
eyes, that was It, Mister Lieutenant
Fortesque."
We'll. Grant" | said sternly, T've
got just one answer to make you. You
can call your guard, or you can fight
t out with me here. Whichever you
choose will depend upon whether you
are man, or cur" | took step
1earer watching him as best | could
n the dark. You are an unmltigated
liar, sir" and with sudden sweep of
he arm struck him with open hand.
Probably you will realize what that
means.
For an instant he remained so still
doubted him, even held him cheap;
hen the breath surged through his
,linched teeth in mad oath. He
,urged toward me, but my sword was
)ut, the steel blocking his advance.
"You--you actually mean fight%
"Why not? Isn't that cause enough?
Il not will furnish more"
II do not fight spies"
stop! That silly charge is merely
IN excuse. You do not believe 1t your
self. You wanted a quarrel yonder in
he ballroom. The expression of your
ayes was an insult. Don't evade now.
am here, wearing the uniform OF the
British army. have every right OF
gentleman, and you will cross swords,
>r III brand you coward wherever
here Is an English garrison"
saw the sudden fash Of his drawn
blade, and flung up my own In guard.
wait: not here, Captain" insisted
quickly. Were far too near your
yatchfu 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 a word. and FOL