The Colorado statesman., 1913-06-14
The DUEL
BY LEWIS A. WENTWORTH.

BY LEWIS a. WEN WOh'
But your promise, Senorita,' cried
Unzar, his swarthy face growing dark
er; remember my oath-I am mere 10
keep It"
your OATH" she repeated, scornfut
ly; have you not already forfeited
all claims upon me? Have you not
left me neglected these many years
Did you think none other would seek
me?"
She glanced at that tall, handsome
figure and her mind wandered on 10
that day, ten years before, when she
had last seen him in old Madrid.
"Oh! Unzar," she cried. Il know
not what to say. / thought you had
forgotten me. l have heard nothing
from you since that day ten years
ago. Felipe wanted me and -
And do you love this-this FelipeF
he burst out, his face flaming.
"I-God help me! no, no, no! / al
most hate him, But, Unzar, you must
not stay here, for should he see you
he would force you to fight
Unzar's face darkened.
81 must fight him, for have sworn
you shall be my bride"
And l swear she will not!
Mona stified a scream, and even Un-
Ear recoiled a step at this unexpected
retort The intruder was Felipe. he
was tall and wiry, his eyes black and
piercing and his face, usually express
sionless, now wore an ugly look
You will pay for your insolence,
cried Unzar livid with rage Name
your time and place" t,
"At sunrise beyond the eucalyptus
grove-with pistols"
The first grey streaks of dawn were
just visible in the eastern sky Wheh
two figures emerged from the grove
of eucalyptus trees and glanced about.
One was a gray-haired man bent with
age, his companion tall, erect hgure'
whose face was covered with mask
of black silk. The old man was Tony,
the keeper of the inn where Unzar
had passed the night. Felipe and his
two companions appeared.
why does the senor wear mask?'
asked Felipe, striding toward the old
man, who met him half way.
THAT he may not be recognized
should he win or known If he fall"
The two coatless figures faced each
other 80 yards apart. There was
moments pause, then: One"
The masked figure started slightly
at some noise coming from the trees.
1.-TWO"
They both bent slightly forward.
"Three!" cried Tony, in shrill
voice.
Simultaneously with the two reports
that rang as one came a wild yell
from among the trees. Old Tony and
the two Mexicans turned-the other
two lay motionless where they had
fallen-to see a halfclad, disheveled
looking figure running toward them.
Then they bent over the fallen duel
lists. Old Tony tore away the shirt to
find the wound, then paused, his face
ashen, his eyes bulging.
My God!" he cried. and again, my
God!" The newcomer thrust the old
man aside and he stripped off the
mask.
"Mona!' cried the old man, crossing
himself, his eyes dilated with horror.
81 thought 1t was you"
Mel" cried Unzar, madly shaking
the other. Didn't you drug me while
/ slept?"
mo, senior, no! BY the Virgin, 1
swear It'll"
who did, them" Unzar vociferated,
his grief relaxing.
81 don't know" whined Tony. ca
ressing his throat. when 1 knocked
at your door you-she came out wear
ing the mask. 1t was your room, your
clothes, your"
Her bosom swelled slightly, then
fell, and convulsive shudder passed
over her. the eyes opened. looking
straight into Unzars.
Il am not hurt" she cried, sitting
up, Il guess tainted. You could not
shoot, land I could; he taught me-"
and she pointed to the motionless
figure, over which the two Mexicans
were talking excitedly.
Il feel myself a coward said I'm
zar, unworthy of such love. And you
have robbed me Of the only oppor,
tunity had to prove my love for
you"
NO" said Mona, there is one
way"
Then name It," he cried.
by keeping your OATH" she an.
swered, raising her lips to his.
Copyright. by Daily Story Pub. Coz