The Clio messenger. (Clio, Mich.) 1907-current, 1915-12-10


ever, was what / knew to be its un-
shakable determination to bring about
that long-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. 1t 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.
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 a little uneasily-and the
imperial chancellor himself, who left
rather hurriedly and did not appear
upon the scene again.
| Captain Paradis offered Fraulein
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.
Fraulein Wedenkampf screamed,
| and at that moment somebody shut
the door. The spectators about his
highness had not relaxed a muscle OF
thej- faces, but they had assumed,
unccrsciousiy, the aspect Of inquisi-
tors. They were splendidly trained
to solfcontroi.
| Paradis sprang to his feet. white
and trembling, and rushed at Won Lin
dCrf But, seeing the latter standing
silent and moticnless, watching him
with calm smile, he stopped and be-
gan choking and stammering inarticu-
lately.
81 greatly regret, Captain Paradis,
that have been compelled to strike
you said Won Lindorf gravely. "But
call you to witness that approached
you, as gentleman does, earlier IN
the evening, and that you refused to
act according to the gentleman's code
| of honor"
IL replied, as I reply now, that
am not at liberty to fight until have
communicated with my government"
shouted Paradis.
Pardon, Monsieur lie Capitaine, but
your refusal seemed to me more per-
emptcry," replied the count bowling
ironically. You told me that you
would not 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 man misun
derstood, and, noting the looks Of uni
yersal disfavor which were turned
upon the attache, took upon myself
the function of intermediary.
Gentlemen, think there Is a mis-
understanding" I said. Captain Par
ads means that he Is not at liberty
to accept a challenge without his gov
ernment's permission. Such a situa
ton Is we'll understood, and, / think
recognized in certain cases. l am sure
that the captain means to give salts
| faction when he is at liberty"
ITO take satisfaction" interposed
Paradis, 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 secondine
the Frenchman in the impending duel
This situation gave me a standing
from when to watch developments
and was rot unwelcome to me.
His highness Prince Frederick Will
liam came forward at this juncture
and took up his post between the two
men.
Gentlemen, this alteration must
end now," he said, land must not DC
known outside this room. Monsieur le
Capitaine, of course you have NO in
tention of embarrassing international
relations?"
, II shall resign my post at the EN-
: bassy Immediately" answered Paradis
The crown prince turned to Vor
r Lindorf. land you, Herr Graf. will
} doubtless accept the captains explain
, alton that he is willing to accord you
and receive satisfaction when he IL
: ADLER"
Il accept your highness' statement
: to that effect" answered Won Lindort
2 sulkily.
: Then, Herr Graf, you will have the
: kindness to report yourself to YOU
: commanding officer as under arrest
! pending court-martial for conduct un
{ becoming an officer, his highnesi
. continued.
4