Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1912-04-28

aloud, Il will follow you, since you insist
upon dying
"Thls way, then"
With the words Tresckow opened one Of
the four side doors 1t did not give admit
tance to room, but into corridor much
narrower than the one they had left. At the
end of this passage, which was IN absolute
darkness, was another door. The Prusslan
entered followed by Fouchard.
THE room was filled with stale air, as if
its one window had not been opened for
months Pendent webs moved uneasily I'M
der the action of the draft and the faint heat
from two tall tallow candles that burned at
each end of bare table. There was no
other furniture in this long disused apart
ment A damp film covered the floor, and
rats had been busy with the wainscoting
The Prussian laid his pistols on the table.
"Pardon me while | fetch our weapons
said he.
He went out, and Fouchard, after remov-
ing the candles, lifted the table and placed
it noiselessly alongside one of the walls, un-
der the window, before which hung a pair of
faded crimson curtains He walked slowly
over the floor, looking at the boards with a
critical eye.
Tresckow reentered, bearing couple Of
cavalry sabers. ave should prefer rapiers,
said he. @As it is, we must take what we
can get. Oblige me by choosing
Fouchard took one placed the point on
the floor and bent the curved blade by way
of testing He grunted. $50 be it, said he.
ave must dispense with elegance, that is all. .
"If we chance to knock the lights over?'
gueried Tresckow, placing himself on guard.
"Then continue in the dark.
"That is understood, then"
Fouchard saluted, and their heavy weap-
ons crossed with rasping clash.
The long silence of the musty room was
broken by the shutting feet, by the spas
mode breathing, Of the combatants, by the
from the ceiling became violently disturbed,
and seemed struggling to break from their
frail grip. The candles spires of fame
swung to and fro in the rent air.
Suddenly the Prussian sprang back as if
he had received an adder's sting.
"That is one of the three thrusts prom
ised you" said Fouchard.
Tresckow replied by scofing exclama-
ton and rushed upon his enemy. Fouchard
, gave back, parrying in the orthodox man
ner,. meeting each cut with corresponding
point and guard.
The Prussian's attack grew rather wild
He felt the warm stream trickling down the
, length of his arm, which had been pierced
Though, and he wanted to end the matter
before losing too much blood.
Fouchard was the cooler, and possessed
complete mastery over his weapon On the
other hand, his adversary was the stronger
man: the days of the campaign had not
emaciated him.
"And that is number two!' cried the fenc-
ing master.
He had delivered terrible cut which
TTesckow only partly parted. The curved
steel had bit into the Germans side. He
reeled, seeming for moment to grope in
! darkness.
"Tonnerre! have settled the rascal and
the 'scoundrel! Take back the rat, and
let us cry quits!" painted Fouchard.
The German recovered himself by SUI
perhuman effort. He gurgled a terrible
oath, and collecting all his strength he re-
turned to the attack. Spots of livid scarlet
burned in his pallid cheeks. His lips, drawn
back to the gums, barred his white, strong
teeth.
They crashed against the table, sending
one Of the candles flying and extinguished it.
Fouchard retreated, forced round and
round the room. He was unwounded; yet
his strength was fast failing him. Every
time he parted he felt his wearied arm
numbed by the shock. Physical exhaustion
was draining his power; and lifeblood that
of his opponent.
t"Ie cannot last minute 1on0er y wac tho