Essex County herald. [volume] (Guildhall, Vt.) 1873-1964, 1915-12-10

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'3
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 von JagOw, and Weisknopf,
nov 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 a palm,
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
their faces, but they had assumed,
unconsciously, the aspect of inquisi-
tors. They were 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 motiOnless, watching him
with a 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 gentleman's code
Of honor"
81 replied, as | reply now, that
am not at liberty to fight until | have
communicated with my government, -
shouted Paradis.
Pardon, Monsieur le C~apitaine, but
,.1,,, ,,,F,,oI r11-o,J e, ,l,, y,,
emptory," replied the count, bowling
ironically. you told me that You
woull not fight at all. VIII you take
up the challenge nOw?'
My answer remains the same" re.
piled Paradis hotly.
do not like to see a 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" | 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. | am sure
that the captain means to give salts
faction when he is at liberty"
TO take satisfaction interposed
Paradis, pressing his handkerchief tc
his bleeding lip.
| realized then, from the fact that
all were watching me, that, without
precisely intending to do so, | had, in
fact. assumed the task of seconding
the Frenchman in the impending duel
This situation gave me a standing
from which to watch developments
and was not unwelcome to me.
His highness Prince Frederick VIII
liam came forward at this iuncture
and took up his post between the two
men.
Gentlemen. this alteration must
end now" he said, and must not be
known outside this room. Monsieur lie
Capitaine, OF course you have no in
tention of embarrassing international.
r~elatiOns?"
i shall resign my post at the EN-
bassy Immediately answered Paradis
The crown prince turned to Vor
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?"
Il accept your ~highness' statement
to that effect" answered Won LindorI
sulkily.
Then, Herr Graf, you will have the
kindness TO report yourself to your
commanding officer as under arrest
pending Court-martial for conduct un
becoming IN officer" his highness
continued.
The count saluted, and. falling into
q military stride, betook himself GU,
Of the ballroom, closing the door be
hind him. Herr Won Jagow approached
Fraulein Wedenkamp and offered hel
his arm.
Permit me, mein fraulein," ne
said.
The girl seemed to hesitate. Hell
face was CHASTITY white; she seemed
to be suffering more than anyone II
the room.
Then Louis Weisknopf walked VI
to her. "Fraulein Wedenkampf un
derstands," he said. She has acted
bravely for the fatherland. She"
! The girls shrill cry startled every
body-even the foreign secretary, mar
of iron that he was.
81 don't want to see him" she ex
claimed, averting her face. do no
let him speak to me, Herr 0 Jagow
Yes, ! have been brave. I"
And she began laughing historical