The Leon reporter. (Leon, Iowa) 1887-1930, 1913-09-11
Bv CYRUS TOWNSEND BRADY
Copyright. 1912. BY Cyrus Townsend Grad,


heard that much and then the duke
was upon me. Gritting his teeth and
swearing frightful oaths he got to his
feet-I had thrown him prone-drag-
ged out his sword and rushed at me.
you dog" he cried. "You have
baked me before and you interfere
now. I have had enough Of you and
the world has"
He did not intend to give me any
chance to defend myself apparently.
My little mistress screamed. l heard
her call my name and I suppose she
thought I was done for, but sailors
are proverbially quick witted, footed
and handed, and I was not the least
alert of seamen. I was wearing a
hanger, heavier weapon than the
dukes dress sword, but it's weight was
a matter of no moment to an arm like
mine. I stepped aside as he lunged
at me, drew it, and the next moment
our blades clashed in earnest.
Now, I am a good fighter and no
mean fencer. l can cross blades with
any one on earth. My swift play must
have looked to the duke as if I were
surrounded by a wall of steel. There
fore he realized at once that his only
chance lay in the energy and rapidity
of his fence. Lunge succeeded lunge
with lightning-like speed. I will ad-
nit that was hard put to it for a
time. 1t was with the greatest diff
ficulty that parted, but my lord was
not built for the continuance Of such
violent exercise. Sweat came into his
eyes, his thrusts grew less swift, If
not less vicious, in their intent. After
a few moments I saw that had him.
It was now my turn to attack. Some
thing of the fury Of my Saxon ances-
tors suddenly filled my veins. l beat
down his defense by series Of terrific
blows and finally shiyered his sword.
He stood before me painting, weapon
less, yet, to give him his due, more or
less undaunted. raised my own blade.
'Would you strike a defenseless
man?" he cried haughtily, still not
blanching.
"You had no scruple in attacking
defenseless woman" replied. NAY"
I Numbered as he made a sudden mo-
ton, stand where you are. What 1
shall do to you depends upon what I
hear. II you move swear to you
that will beat you down like the dog
that you are" ....-.. ~. ~
was amazed afterward at my temer-
ity in thus addressing duke, but you
will understand my feelings. Without
taking my eyes off Of him 1 next adj
dressed myself to my lady, 80
"Will you tell me now, Mistress
Lucy" said 1 softly, "what this man
purposed or said? I can see what he
tried to do, but what was his meaning
and intent?'' 49,. s.. ~.
wanted-me to go with
him." faltered my lady. :.
"He renewed his offer Of marriage"
I asked, with sudden sinking Of
heart.
NO." whispered the girl.
"My Godw I cried. did you dare
to- -.
4 why should marry penniless
baggageY' he sneered.
Il shall insure that you will remem-
ber," said quietly, although I was
blazing inside, call the days of your,
life what you tried to do-the insult
that you put upon this lady"
would you kill me?" he cried, as I
stepped nearer to him.
NO." said l, that would be too
quick and easy an end to your punish
ment. I will put my mark upon you,
her brand as a coward. Everybody
iwho sees you will ask you about It,
and you can explain 1t as you will.
Two persons at least will know what
the mark signifies, my lady and my
SELF" .t.
/! He stared at me absolutely uncom-
pretending, but before he could make
a move caught him around the breast,
ptnioned both his arms to his side and
then deliberately shortened my
sword, holding, it by the blade. and cut
two long, deep gashes In his left cheek
HE struggled and shrieked horribly as
i did 90, and my lady screamed %
well, but held him close until I nm
ashed. .s
.Now, = said to Mistress Lucy, De
fore 4 release him, one more question
Did ala Nc kiss you e ss4l slss
/ answered lliSEsss IL - ~
kailtly NJ NJ