Oxford Democrat. [volume] (Paris, Me.) 1833-1933, 1915-10-05
ded. Won Gottschalk and his party

faded. Won GOttSchalk and his party
were first on the ground, but were
soon followed by Herman. The sup
posed Herr schomberg, with darkened
complexion and q beard, wore a long
cloak, which concealed the outlines Of
a woman's figure, and no one suspected
her sex. The principals, stripped to
their shirts and breeches, took position
facing each other. At signal they
began to lunge and parry, the clash Of
steel ringing out on the stiffness. Pres
emily Won Gottschalk, putting In prac-
tice q coup taught him by his betroth-
ed, pierced his adversary In the right
side. A surgeon and his assistant at
once took charge Of the wounded man,
and he was removed from the field.
Lieutenant Gotlieb now stepped for
ward and thus addressed Captain Won
Gottschalk:
Captain, my principal having failed
to wipe out the stain put upon his hon
or by your bespattering his boots, I
desire to take up the affair where he
has left It. trust that you will waive
the difference in rank between US and
meet me on equal terms"
Captain Won Gottschalk assented,
and In few minutes his and the lieu
tenants swords were clashing. Won
Gottschalk was fatigued after bis
fight for his life with Herman and
should have had rest before under
taking an encounter with man who
was fresh. Gotlieb was better
swordsman than his principal and on
several occasions broke through his
enemy's guard. But Won Gottschalk
caught his opponents blade before 1t
was too late and saved himself by
hairs breath.
Meanwhile the supposed Herr Schom-
berg stood wrapped in his cloak.
When Herman fell she drew long
breath Of relief, but when Gotlieb took
up the fight and showed his superior
swordsmanship her composure desert
ed her, and she could not remain long
In one position. Finally Gotlicb In
giving back slipped, and Won Gott.
schalk pierced his sword arm. Not be.
ing able to keep up the fight, he with
drew.
All eyes were now turned upon Cath
crime, whose duty 1t was to take up
the fight. She had considered the pos
stbility of her having to fight some Of
her lovers seconds, but not her lover.
She stood, irresolute; but surprise and
then contempt gathering on the faces
of those about her. she stepped for
ward.
III any more persons are wounded"
she said, there will arise a suspicion
that may reach the kings ears. I rec.
ommend that this affair stop here"
Success had flushed Won Gottschalk.
and his blood was up. Coward he
cried. STAND up and I will hx you as
have fixed your predecessors"
The challenge was followed by Jeers
from the others, and Catherine, throw.
ing her cloak on the ground, took a
rapier that was handed her and stood
up to meet her lover in mortal combat.
He looked at her scrutinizlngly as II
she reminded him Of some one he
knew, but Catherine, that he might not
have time to discover her identity,
called to him to put himself on guard.
He did 30, and the clash Of steel was
renewed.
Catherine was not only q better
swordsman than her lover, but was
fresh, while he had already fought
twice. Nevertheless the fact that she
was pitted against her lover was ter.
rible strain on her. II she gave him
too much advantage he would run her
through; II she pressed him too hard
she might kill him. Having taught
him all the coups she knew, she had
no advantage In this respect.
The others were deeply interested In
this we'll matched struggle, which, II
seemed to them, would never end. But
suddenly when 1t seemed that Won
Gottschalk was about to take advan-
tage Of an opening left him by his ene-
my his sword flew into the air and
struck the earth dozen yards away.
All now returned to Berlin post
haste. Herman's condition was care
fully concealed, and the day passed
without any evidence that the affair
was known beyond the circle Of partic-
ipants. Won Gottschalk sent note to
his betrothed saying that he was unin-
jured and would see her In the evening.
When he called he found her robed be-
comingly, and she threw herself into
his arms with fervor that surprised
him.
THANK heaven" she exclaimed.
"You have been spared and have come
from the field victoriousr'
"victorlousw he exclaimed, shrug-
ging his shoulders. 81 shall never be
victorious or satisfied till l have run
that fellow who disarmed me through
the body"
Then Catherine withdrew from him
and said:
Then run me through, for It was I
who disarmed you"