The L'Anse sentinel. (L'Anse, L.S., Mich.) 18??-current, 1912-05-18

new to me. He pressed me hotly, and
at length the final position came; the
way was open.
Take it," he said savagely and sent
the thrust that should have made good
his promise to bury the whole blade In
nv heart.
But his point never reached me, for
ingIy unopposcd. caught it exactly
Us Moore had shown me and wrcnchcd
with all the strength Of my wrist and
arm.
There was n sharp grinding or steel,
and then like 4 thing alive the dukes
sword left his hand, SPED through the
mir and settled thirty feet away point
downward in the turf. whore ii stuck.
quivering and swaying like reed in
the wind.
With cry OF sharp surprise LotZen
sprang back and watched his sword
as II circled and fell. ! moved n step
toward him. Then he turned to me.
1T seems. monsieur" he said softly
that was In error and that 1t is the
point OF your sword and not the hilt
am to take. So be it."
He drew himself up to attention and
raised his hand in salute.
81 nm waiting" he said calmly.
Ferdinand of Lotzcn was doubtless
bad lot. once that night he had civ
en- me To assassination. and just now
n, himself had deliberately tried to
Kill ne. But he was brave. with the
Fort Of bravery that meets death when
II must with Il smiling face and
steady eye.
And SO for u space we stood. he erect
and ready. ! with hand on hip and
point advanced.
| heard the gasps of women, a sob or
two and then the rustic Of skirts. fol-
lowed instantly by Courtncy's soft
command.
stay, madame The matter is for
his highness only to decide
I.otZen laughed lightly.
Strike, man" he said, cor the petit
coats will steal me from you" \.
] stepped back and shot yIsyord
into its sheath.
Go" ordered. 81 do not want
your life Only depart this house
straightway and take your braves
with you. They will have no other OPP
portunity tonight. And. mark YOU,
sir. no further meeting with the gypsy,
now nor hereafter"
He bowed low. "Monsieur Is pleased
to be generous" he snecred.
But gave him my back and. remov-
ing my mask, went over to my friends.
The marquise met me with II perfect
gale Of apologies. But l laughed them
aside, telling her It was I who stood
In need Of pardon for becoming ~
yolved In such breach Of hospitality.
Just then Colonel Moore came up
and, seeing us without our masks, he
dropped his also. watched Mile.
d Essolde's greeting to him. 1t was all
even he could have wished.
IL think 1t Is about the supper hour"
said Lady vierle. LET US go in"
offered her my arm and, masking
again, we led the way.
"Will your highness tell me some
thing?' she asked Immediately. "Did
you know your antagonist"
II didn't see his face" evaded.
She looked at me quickly. would
It be better for me not to know"
eyes," said I. II think It would"
There was really no reason why ]
should shield I.otzen, yet neither was
there any reason to rattle family
skeleton in public and raise n scandal
which would run the kingdom over
and be the gossip Of every court In
Europe.
Then lifted my mask so she could
see my face.
"And. my dear Lady vicrlc," said
earnestly, III you would do Inc great
favor you will promise TO forget all
about this unfortunate incident"
She, too. raised her mask and looked
me frankly In the eye.
II PROMISE" she said.
And 1 am sure she will keep her
word.