Perrysburg journal. (Perrysburg, Wood Co., O. [Ohio]) 186?-1965, 1917-10-18
Copyright The Frank A. Munsey Company.
BY C. C. HOTCHKISS


do but resent 1t; end ere he had got
the las vord, from his lips smote
him across the mouth with my open
palm. and with a force that sent him
staggering backward. .......
In an instant his sword wac out and
he would have sprung at me had not
one Of his own friends jumped from
the tabl and interfered.
mot that way! My God, Merwin.
not that way! The man is unarmedl"
cried hiS companion, seizing him
around the waist.
"Unhand me, Brown! Unhand me!
BY heaven, this ha. got to be settled
now; That william struck me. I'll
have his life," ..-..---.
But in regular way, Merwin-in
a regular way!" cried the other, still
holding him. -. -..-....
"As regular as he pleases, and the
sooner the better" said, leaning
against the bar and affecting an ease
was far from feeling. 1t seemed that
this could end on in, complete ex.
posure.
"You will fight!' exclaimed Mer,
win, who had evidently looked for me
to run or apologize.
"see here, SIR" said I, stepping for
ward. You have grossly insulted me
over . matter about which you know
nothing. chastissd you a. you de-
served. and, in the circumstances, !
presume you have the right to call me
out. But, sir. cannot 60 out. / am
engaged In secret service, and am I'm
der orders; though II you will see to 1t
that / am furnished with q rapier,
poor swordsman as you call me, will
give you satisfaction right here and
now. Perhaps can convince you that
have been misrepresented; however,
I will make no future date"
The man was astonished as he was
pleased, and swallowed my bait. 'By
the glory OF the king" he exclaimed,
nothing could suit me better, seeing
that l must be aboard by sunset. I'll
teach you lesson. Bally, stand by the
door; we'll have this thing soon over.
You'll second me. Foster! Selfridge,
! suppose you'll back your friend?
Lend him your, sword, for Gods sake,
and let US go to work"
rather expected the host to come
in and interfere, but nothing Of the
kind occurred! neither was there an
attendant ins.the room to protest. And
among those present there was not
dissenting voice to the arrangement to
fight at once; but It was plain to my
mind that all parties, including Sci.
fridge himself, looked to see me de-
feated. Ny second. who had become
fairly sobered by the sudden commo-
ton, sidled Ut to me as he drew his
rapier, and there was a mighty doubt
ful look on his face as he said:
Melton, you're the challenged par.
ty; II you are such poor fence, will
insist on your rights. and demand pis
tolls. II ) ou say 3d."
Wen let things rest as they are"
/ returned, taking his rapier and test.
Ing its weight.
"Then you'd best be prepared for
little blood.letting, Melton. Merwin is
said to be crack. foilsman, and the
favorite of the master-at-arms OF the
Somerset. But I'll see you to bed and
stand by you. never fear" EGO. 4.
] made no return to this save to
thank him and hand my coat to hold.
thinking less of the difficulty of my
present position than about the promi-
t1 mi hi n1, I ha
ed when news Of the affray got
abroad. Not that / was too confident
that ! could easily defeat my man be-
cause Ledare had told me l was skill
full; nay. never yet crossed sw ords
in sport or in hot blood without giving
my opponent credit for great ability
until I had tested bim and worked as
II he were an expert. Perhaps this is
one reason why ] have been fairly
successful.
Acspace being cleared by pushing
back the tables, Merwin stepped out
as II anxious to have the matter over,
and moment later our swords cross
ed. Anu no sooner had he made his
first disengage and thrust at me en-
tiorce than knew ! had him at my
mercy. For, though in form of salute
and parade he WAS perfect. and, too.
might have been dangerous with
broadsword where it comes TO cut and
slash, in the finer points of the decay.
ing art of fencing he had been but half
taught, and was but novice, having
not yet progressed beyond defending
himself from the simplest attacks.
However his master had drilled
him lairly in that.
But conld have laughed at his
fierce aspect. at his stamps in appel,
at his s,dewise leaps, and ut the many
openings he gave me. In short,
could have placed my point b"twixi
any two of his ribs | had chosen; but
j. had not the least feeling against the
man, rbo was some 'liree or four
syearssps sepi2E A. ~ u
~ n