The herald and news. [volume] (Newberry S.C.) 1903-1937, 1912-01-09

AuQ ye nave 10 pIOpOSe-!
"a plan after your own heart: do
your courage the credit to believe it,
monsieur. With another man, whom
1 had studied less exhaustively, /
should propose combination OF
forces, a division of profits" ORourke
made an impatient gesture. But with
you, Colonel O'Rourke, no. I esteem
your address and determination too
highly and-pardon me if I speak
plairly-I despise and hate you too
utterly to become willingly your part
ner"
sfGo OIL begin to like ye better.
Ye grow interesting"
"That does not interest me. {.
The situation, then, is simplifled. Es-
sentially it involves two propositions:
first, we cannot combine; second, d.
vided we both fail. While both Of us
live, mon colonel, the Pool Of Flame
will never earn its value"
"'Tis meself takes exception to
that. Let me once get me hands on
the stone, monsieur, and I'll back me-
self against & dozen vicomtes- and
honorables."
while I live," the Frenchman stat
ed, unrufaed; you will not touch the
Pool of Flame; while you live, can
not dispose Of it to the best ad'
vantage. It would seem that ono or
the other Of US must die"
"I am armed" remarked O'Rourke
slowly, 1T ye mean ye've brought me
here to murder me"
Monsieur speaks-pardon-crude-
1y. I asked you, you came Of your
own will-to fight for the Pool OF
Flame" O'Rourke started; CLINT OF
understanding danced in his eager
eyes. II see you catch my meaning.
What l have to propose Is this: you
will take pen and paper and write
the name of the person who offers the
reward, with his address. This you
will enclose in an envelope, seal, and
place in your pocket. The Pool Of
F1ame-you see trust you-is here"
ORourke got upon his feet with an
exclamation; the vicomte was play
ing a bold hand. Before the Irishman
had grasred his intention he had
thrown upon the table a ruby as large,
or larger, than an egg; al exquisite
jewel, superbly cut and polished.
Fascinated, O'Rourke remembered
himself and sat down.
"You see" The Vicomte's cold In
cisive tones cut the silence. Slowly
he extended a hand and took up the
great ruby, replacing it in his pocket.
There is,' he said evenly, level
stretch of grass beyond the veranda~
The night, I admit, is dark, but the
light from these long windows should
be sufficient for US. If you slay me,
take the ruby and go in peace: this
,ot' t''-with a centemptuous glance
the unconscious honorable neV"
er hinder you. If you die, 1 take the
note from your pocket. The issue Is
fair. Will you fight, Irishman?'
O'Rourke's fist crashed upon the
table as he rose. Fight" he cried.
Faith, did not think ye had this In
ye. Pistols, shall it be-"
'Thaak you," said the vicomte, with
3 courtly bow, ''but I am an lnd1fer.
ent shot Had you chosen rapiers at
Monte Carlo one Of US would never
have left the field alive"
He went to q side table, returning
with a sheet of paper, an envelope,
pen and ink. And when O'Rourke had
slipped the paper into his pocket he
saw the vicomte waiting for him by
one of the windows, two naked "a
piers, slender and cleaning and long,
beneath his arm. AS the Irishman
came up, with bow, the Frenchman
presented the hilts Of both weapons
for his choice.
Together and In silence they left
the dining-room, strode across the YER
.anda and down, a short step, to the
! lawn. The vicomte stood aside quick
ly, bringing his feet together and sa,
| luting in the full glare OF light.
O'Rourke whipped hilt to chin with
consummate grace, his heart singing.
Work such as this he loved. The
night was pitchy black, the windows
barred it with radiance. In the dark
, spaces between a man might easily
| blunder and run upon his death. .
Somewhere in the shadowy shrub
berry a night-bird was singing as
though it's heart would break. There
was a sweet smell in the air.
His blade touched the Vicomte's
with a shivering crash, musical as
glass.
(TO BE CONTINUED.)
WOMAN STARVED TO DEATH.