The citizen-Republican. (Scotland, Bon Homme County, S.D.) 1???-19??, 1913-05-01
CHAPTER XVIII, Conclusion.

Sir Godfrey was an adroit SWORDS
man and a practised duelliSt. but ne
found he had no mean IN
Robin. 1t was q match w the
clever master of fence and the soldier,
accustomed to fight with his life in his
hand. regardless of carte and tlerce.
AT pose and trick, Sir Godfrey was the
superior. but he was under the disad-
vantage of a tempestuous fury that
prevented his making the best use of
the deXterity that had brought him out
victor from numerous encounters, while
Robins GOODNESS more than compen-
stated for lack of fineSse and his skill
as a swordSman soon proved itself. Sir
Godfrey, in spite of his passionate on
slaught, was gradually beaten off the
roadside n driven step by step to
| the door of the inn, where Robin. calm
as thought they had been merely fenc-
ing for amusement, goaded him into
raShneSS with an exaggerated display
of caution, and taking quick advantage
of q wild lunge, disarmed him and sent
his sword flying a dozen PAGES away.
AT the clash of Weapons and SOUND
of warfare. the inn door opened a few
inches and a bald old head peered eau
tiously out.
Gentlemen, gentlemen" piped a
trembling voice, mine is a respectable
house: pray you do not get me into
trouble. I implore you, if there is muir
der to be done, for heavens a k go a
little farther up the road; there is a
quiet spot, not five nut walk away
where no n will disturb you while
you kill each other"
1T is all ver, mine good host; twas
but a friendly bout, no n is the worse
for it by so much as a cut finger"
laughed Robin. Steve, pick UP Sir
Geoffrey's sword and restore it to him.
Escort him into the inn and treat him
rn1rtan1JS1Nv until T COLL for WOMB A @
they disappeared, he III to Prue,
who had watched the due with mingled
fear and joy, and now hurried to his
outstretched arms.
oh! Robin: why didn't o kill
him % she cried.
Why. twas a duel, dearest, not an
assassination" he began.
He would have killed you If he
could, I'll be sworn" she protested. IT
saw murder in his eye when he rushed
upon us, n surely you would avenge
the treachery that brought me to this
lonely place with q, man 1 detest, who
desired to force or shame me into mar
rying him?'
Il am almost grateful to him. muir
INJURED Robin, with his lips to hers,
that he brought o here and procured
me the inestimable happiness of seeing
you once moro and bidding you fare
WELL"
Is it indeed happiness for you to bid
me FAREWELL" pouted Prue, r%eproach-
fully.
"Almost-compared to the unutter-
able anguish of leaving you, perhaps
for ever. without"
Prue drew herself away just far
enough to look into his eyes with be-
witching tenderness. Does it grieye
said softly.
Can you ask. heart of my hearth"
he, replied. You little know how sore
" I am torn in twain by. the duty that
separates me from you"
Then why should we separator" she
cajoled, nesting against him.
oh! tempt me not, beloved" he i'm
plored, feeling himself melting like wax
Under her ouch. Honor and loyalty
call me to France
Then take me with you.' she cried,
in ringing tones.
A hand was laid on Robins shoulder
with no gentle emphasis. What folly
is this" demanded a harsh voice. "De
CIlfre, l have overheard the wiles OF
this en~chantress and although be-
Ieve your loyalty is beyond reproach,
l cannot allow her to test your powers
OF resistance too far. Can you really
believe that h wishes to accompany
you more securely and make your es-
more difficult. But it shall not
avail, l swear 1t on the bones OF st.
Anthony! Viscountess Brooke, do you
wish to have this mans death on your
conscience? II SO, use our arts on him
n you will soon be gratifed; for I
myself will u my sword through his
heart, rather than see him a traitor to
his king"
You a %misjudges me" said
Prue. proudly. ~ come, as you should
know, OF right loyal stock, and nothing
Is further from by wishes than to hind
er his departure. 1 but claim the right
to go wherever he goes"
The right! What right?" sneered
the duke.
The right. in the sight Of God and
man, Of a wife to follow her husband
Prue, unfiinchingly.
AS she stood there SO beautiful and
undaunted, the love light in her glor-
ious eyes seemed to irradiateihe lei whole
with indescribable tenderness and
dignity. Even the angry duke dropped
his eyes. abashed, and his tone was
sensfbly lowered when he exclaimed,
Wife? Hushand2 De Cliffe, what is
the meaning Of this midsummer mad
ness?'
oh! Prue,p cried Robin, you know
not what Q say; how could you dream
Of sharing the fortunes OF an exile
ar outlaw
She raised her yes to his, brimming
Will lSaTS. lslOVe you, Rob-
in" she sighed pathetically but brave
~. and life without you is worthless
to me. Then, with a sudden change
TO petulance. "Oh, why do you leave
to do all the love making? Is it
not shame enough that T was a petit
toner for your hand. but that now +
must come as q beggar for your heart?
I did think you loved me1a lit
tle,1 and she buried her face in her
hands.
sweetheart, 1t is because love you
so dearly chat 4 am loath to let you
throw away your beauty and sweet
ness on a poor soldier OF fortune" said
Robin, scarcely less agitated than she.
Who is apparently ready to ruin
himself for the idle caprice or a frivo-
lous coQuet. iHterposed the duke, with
asperity.
HI carriage which had followed Sir
sGeofrey's had arrived while the duel
was in progress, and drawn up UNI
noticed at the bend of the road. Its
sole occupant alighted. and lingering In
h shadow OF the trees, became an In
terested spectator, himself unobseryed.
DE CliRe.1 continued h duke, time
presses n you must not linger. Think
only of your duty and be firm.
There YVES brief silence, which
Prue broke. addressing her husband.