The Tomahawk., 1915-12-16

tanned. It was hand in glove with
the cannon makers, the scare mongers
who manipulated the markets for the
! syndicate-worse than all else, how
| ever, was what I knew to be it's un-
| shakable determination to bring about
that lcng-expected war cataclysm
| which my government was striving
with all it's efforts to avert.
Toward the end of the last dance,
when even the crown princess endeav-
ored no longer to hide her yawns,
Count Won Lindorf took up his station
beside the door, where had first seen
him.
He waited there after the last
strains Of the national anthem had
ceased. It was quite evident that he
meant to have his quarrel with Par
ads out, and that he was awaiting the
departure of the guests. Paradis could
read that resolution in Won Lindorf's
face, for, after attempting to pass,
only to be accosted by the count, with
respectful but inflexible determination,
he fell back with an affectation Of
nonchalance, and waited.
I saw the crown prince offer his
arm to the crown princess, escort her
from the ballroom, and return. He
knew what was about to happen. So
did Herr Won Jagow, and Weisknopf,
now smiling little ,uneasily-and the
imperial chancellor himself, who left
rather hurriedly and did not appear
upon the scene again.
Captain Paradis offered Frau1ein
Wedenkampf his arm and attempted
to lead her out.
AS they approached the door Won
Lindorf walked slowly toward the
Frenchman, and, raising his hand,
struck him suddenly across the
mouth with such violence that Paradis
went staggering back against palm,
upset it, and fell to the waxed floor
among the fanlike fronds and broken
pieces of the pedestal.
F'raulein Wedenkampf screamed,
and at that moment somebody shut
the door. The spectators about his
highness had not relaxed muscle OF
their faces, but they had assumed,
unconsciously, the aspect of inquisi-
tors. They we're splendidly trained
to self-controL
Paradis sprang to his feet, white
and trembling, and rushed at Won Lin.
dorf. But, seeing the latter standing
silent and motion1ess, watching him
with calm smile, he stopped and be-
gan choking and stammering inarticu-
lately.
II greatly regret, Captain Paradis,
that have been compelled to strike
you,' said Won Lindorf gravely. "But
call you to witness that approached
you, as a gentleman does, earlier in
the evening, and that you refused to
act according to the gentlemans code
of honor"
II replied, as I reply now, that /
am not at liberty to fight until have
communicated with my government"
shouted Paradis.
Pardon, Monsieur 1e Capitaine, but
your refusal seemed to me more per-
emptory," replied the count, bowling
ironically. "You told me that you
would rot fight at all. Will you take
up the challenge now?"
my answer remains the same" re-
piled Paradis holly.
I do not like to see a man misun-
derstood, and, noting the looks of uni
versal disfavor which were turned
upon the attache, I took upon myself
the function of intermediary.
Gentlemen, think there is a mis-
understanding" said. Captain Par
ads means that he is not at liberty
to accept challenge without his gov
ernnent's permission. Such a situa-
ton is we'll understood, and, / think,
recognized in certain cases. am sure
that the captain means to give salts
faction when he is at liberty"
ITO take satisfaction" interposed
Paradls, pressing his handkerchief to
his bleeding lip.
I realized then, from the fact that
all were watching me. that, without
precisely intending to do SO, had, In
fact, assumed the task Of second1ng
the Frenchman in the impending duel
This situation gave me standing
from which to watch developments,
and was not unwelcome to me.
His highness Prince Frederick Viii
liam came forward at this juncture
and took up his post between the two
men. 1882.
Gentlemen, this alteration must
end now" he said, land must not be
known outside this room. Monsieur le
Capitaine, Of course you have no in
tention Of embarrassing international
relations?"
81 shall resign my post at the en-
bassy Immediately" answered Paradis.
The crown prince turned to Won
Lindorf. "And you, Herr Graf, will
doubtless accept the captains explain
alton that he is willing to accord you
and receive satisfaction when he is
able?"
81 accept your highness' statement
to that effect" answered Won Lindort
sulkily.
'Then, Herr Graf, you will have the
-.