Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1912-08-21

An Incorrigible-By F. A. Mitchell.
Copyrighted. 1912. by Associated Literary Bureau.


were the two young men simultane-
ously struck by Kate Tracey's charms.
Since she wanted yeither OF them II
was not possible for her to decide be-
tween them. Unfortunately she did
not know of the rivalry and bitter an
imoSity that had sprung up between
them One evening she was struck
with aStonishment upon receiving an
anonymous note informing her that
the rivals were intending 10 fight for
her in an opening in Il wood beside the
river. a secluded spot about q mile
from the town, at o'clock in the
morning
This was a stumper for Kate. The
idea OF bloodshed occurring on her ac-
count appalled, her. Her first impulse
was to tell her father. but he had
warned her time and again against be-
ing drawn into complications with men
who wished 10 marry her, and she
dreaded lest be should blame her. She
fretted till late at night before coming
to any decision, then struck a plan
that reflected her own peculiar genius.
SallyinG forth. she went TO the build
ing OF the hook and ladder company.
The men We're sitting around in arm
chairs, but when they saw their fem
mine honorary member enter each and
every man rose and Saluted. Kate
nodded TO them and went straight on
TO the Office OF their captain.
After half an hours conference Kate
emerged from the hook and ladder
house attended by the commander,
10
left her at her door and returned to
the engine house. while Kate went to
bed
At 4 o'clock she arose. dressed her
self. crept softly downstairs and went
out into the street No one was about
at that early hour, all being slowed
away in bed. but ut the corner she
found the captain of the tire depart
ment with a carriage and several OF
his men with q fire engine. Kate en-
tered the carriage with the captain.
and, followed by the fire engine, they
were driven out OF town.
Just before 8 o'clock-it was coming
daylight-the dueling parties were on
the ground making preparations for the
encounter. An attempt was made by
the seconds to effect Il reconciliation,
stating that the affair would appear at
! least ridiculous and might result In a
tragedy. But man will make guy
! Of himself about woman. especially
when he has n rival. quicker and more
obstinately than for any other cause,
and neither of the principals would
bulge.
The ground was paced, the positions
marked and the men placed upon them.
But just as signal TO fire was to be
given one of the seconds called a halt.
The rising sun was shining in his prin-
cipars eyes. a new arrangement was
made. and the contestants were placed
differently,
The delay proved fortunate.
Just as they were about to receive
the signal to fire carriage drove up,
followed by a fire engine. Kate Tracey
and the captain of the hook and ladder
company jumped out of the carriage.
and at an order from the latter the en-
CINE began to play a stream OF water
on the dueliSts In a few seconds they
were drenched, and. since the water
was not overwarm. they shiVered. But
the firemen played on till Kate called
a halt.
shake hands," she said.
Neither OF the principals would.
They seemed chiefly concerned about
the ridiculous figure they cut. Every
one on the ground except themselves
was laughing. Kate told the tiremen
to continue the douChe for awhile. then
! l,nI Dttf
; another wettiug was necessary before
they would obey. Then. upon the as
surance of all concerned that the af-
fair should proceed no further. Kate
: and her attendant returned 10 the car
riaGe and followed by the tremen,
drove back to town.
Though Kate had pledged all the fire.
men not 10 divulge the affair. it was
too good for the seconds TO keep IL
got into the newspapers. and the first
knowledge of 1t that Mr. and Mrs.
Tracey received was through this
source.
What shall we do with herr" ex-
! claimed the father in perpIeXity.
"Oh, heavens. | don't know unless
we shut her up in a lunatic asylum"
replied the mother.
But the idea of shutting the young
lady IN an ASYLUM WAS not to be con-
sidcred her father averring that as
) chief lunatic she would assume a lead
ership OF her fellow prisoners and take
, command of the institution. But he
, agreed that. since there was nothing
, positively bad in his daughters make
, up. it would be better TO give her hef
, head" and let her set her own pace.
, However. soon after the browning
, episode OF her single life, in which Miss
, Kate extinguished a rivalry for her
/, hand with cold water. she fell deeply
in love with and was married TO a
young man who is a model OF sobriety
and steadiness. He has heard about
, his wife's escapades before her mar
rage and can't exactly understand
, them. He says he doesn't see what all
; the fuss and worry were about He
doesn't see anything the matter with
, her.