The Pensacola journal. (Pensacola, Fla.) 1898-1985, 1912-05-26

there, but / could clearly distinguish
the stomping Of restless hoofs some
where to the right. As I Strengthened
up. determined upon discovering an
snnpty saddle If possible, the figure of
man suddenly loomed directly IN
front, advancing toward me. In
startled surprise took one step back
ward. but was too late. Already the
eyes Of the newcomer had perceived
my presence, and he sprang forward,
Juggling at his sword.
Hold on therei hold oni" he COM
handed shortly. who are you? What
the devil are you skulking about out
here fort"
It was Grant beyond q doubt; ]
would recognise the peculiar snarl Of
that voice In thousand. He had not
gone upstairs then; bad not rejoined
the lady IN the dining-room. What
would she think O: his absence?
What would she do when she reslized
It's probable meaning? Someway was
not frightened, at thus meeting him,
but glad--if those others would only
keep away, and let rs settle the affair
between is. Here wa his tege-a
coward would cry out an starm, sum-
mon the gusrd 60 his assistance, but,
II the fellows nerve only helS, OF II ne
hated me badly snc-;gh. he'd dgat It
out alone. All this came 10 me tn .
dash, and the words Of chsilsnge
| spoken before he even Eraspee the
thought Of who ! was.
$50 have discovered vvzs hava II
Why did you fail to keep our appoint.
ment withini"
He drew up sharply with an oath.
pesring at me through the dark, be-
wildered by my speech.
"The spyi Ye gods, what luokl Do
you mean to insinuats I ran away.
sir?"
How else could I interpret it,"
! questioned coolly, determined to taunt
him to action. 81 waited where you
told me till / was tired. Perhaps you
viii oblige me by explaining your pur.
pose"
He muttered something, but without
comprehending its purport I went on
threateningly:
"And ! think You made use OF the
word spy Just now. Did you mistake
me for another?"
mistake you? No: I'd know you In
hell" he burst forth, anger making his
voice tremble. 81 called you q spy, and
you are one. you sneaking night at.
You never waited for me in the par
Tor; II you had you'd new be under ar.
rest"
"Oh, so that was the planf"
"Yes, that was 1t, Mister Lieutenant
Eortesque."
well. Grant," said sternly, Tive
got Just one answer to make you. You
can call your guard, or you can fight
| 1t out with me here Whichever you
choose viii depend upon whether you
are a man, or cur" took a step
nearer, watching him as best / could
In the dark. You are an unmitigated
liar, sir" and with sudden sweep Of
the arm struck him with open hand.
Probably you will realize what that
means"
For an instant he remained 50 still
doubted him. even held him cheap;
then the breath surged through his
clinched teeth in a mad oath. He
surged toward me. but my sword was
out. the steel blocking his advance.
'You-you actually mean flghtf"
why not? Isn't that cause enough?
II not win furnish more"
II do not fight spies"
stop! That silly charge is merely
an excuse. You do not believe it your
self. You wanted q quarrel yonder in
the ballroom. The expression Of your
eyes was an insult. Don't evade now.
am here. wearing the uniform Of the
British army. I have every right Of Q
/ gentleman, and you viii cross swords,
or I'll brad you coward wherever
there is an English garrison"
I saw the sudden fash Of his drawn
blade, and flung up my own in guard.
wait; not here, Captain" insisted
quickly. We're far too near your
watchful friends yonder; besides the
light 10 poor. Let's try our fortunes
beyond the pavilion. where It can be
simply man to man"
He turned without word, and fol-
lowed, eager enough TO have done
with the business. The stars cleaned
on the naked weapons held In our
hands. but we exchanged no words
until we had rounded the corner and
come forth into the open space be-
yond.
CHAPTER VI.