Perrysburg journal. (Perrysburg, Wood Co., O. [Ohio]) 186?-1965, 1917-11-15
The
Trail of a Traitor
BY C. C. HOTCHKISS
Copyright -TheSFrank A. MunseylC Company.
Copyright A. MunseyEC Company.
BY C. C. HOTCHKISS

well, brI ne SAID, win an I'm.
patient shrug of his shoulders.
Il will at once come to the point,
my friend" / returned, speaking with
an air of self-confidence somewhat
forced. THAT bit of lace you carry in
your girdle is a part OF this l carry in
mine. Your impudence consists in
displaying as token from a lady that
which was not meant for you. 1t be-
longs to me. wish IT,"
He laughed lightly behind his mask.
"A mere subterfuge. sir! Why do you
not say 1t is the note you demand?"
Il demand that as well: and on the
honor of your supposed gentillty. 1
would ask II you have broken it's
seal7"
"On my supposed gentility, ye
dog!" he exclaimed. flaming with a
loneliness that caused me to identify
him as British officer Of some
sort.
Il do not know you, sir" re.
turned; "and l asked you Ques-
ton"
And here Is your answer, sir. Your
conceit and assurance are colossal"
And with these words he drew the
lace from his girdle and smote me
across the eyes of my mask.
! staggered back at the suddenness
OF the assault. but the emotion that
followed was less of anger than of Joy.
He had come to me easily, but by his
spirit saw could not as easily come
by that which wished. Knowing that
matters had leaped to a climax, In
stead Of making return in words /
reached out and tore his mask from
his face, at the same time removing
my own.
At first l thought / knew him, but
l utterly failed to place him. A broad
welt Of scar marred the bronzed
cheek, 1t doubtless being the result of
n sword-wound; but his complexion.
W. atherbeaten save where his hat
had protected his forehead, showed
nue. that he was of the sea. Undoubted-
ly he was an officer in his majesty's
navy.
FOR an instant he stood glowering
al me, the sinister scar growing pur-
PIE, his white teeth set in his neither
lip. And then it came to me where l
had seen him. He was the man who
had insulted me in Franklin's ante.
room in Paris, two years before. He.
did not appear to recognize me.
Are you gentleman, sir?" he
finally asked in well.controlled
voice.
In every way your equal" I re.
piled. II would like to put my Ques-
tion again, but this is hardly the place
10 receive the answer l desire. I am
aware that you are armed; will you
follow me to where we will meet with
no interruption?"
1t would hardly be regular!" he
re lied with an evil smile.
Regular or irregular" l answered
holly, you have wantonly insulted me
and placed in jeopardy the reputation
of lady. ! will explain later. I'm
less you are in truth monk and fit
your costume in spirit as we'll as in
flesh, you will give me the satisfac-
ton demand"
You are reckless. young man." was
his quiet reply. though his beady
black eyes glittered strangely. II am
not in the habit of killing an opponent
without witness"
"If that Is why you hesitate. obtain
your friend, II you can distinguish
one. II he Is a gentleman, you and
can safely forego further formalities.
l waive all rights save that of imme.
diate satisfaction from you. Not to
lose sight of you, will accompany
you In your search"
The supercilious expression Of the
man changed and he became urbane.
II perceive, sir, that you are man Of
action. I profess full faith in your
~""'''nn, and nothing will delight me
han acceding to the wish of a
Of your mettle. Under the cir
ances Of the notes contents, /
1t sure ! ought; but by God, !
a' l think you informed me that
,ne ppot was near here. Good! But,
sir, consider the, sound of shots.
Would not swords meet your de-
sire?"
Nothing else would be possible"
/ replied. n..G.a.t 4,..a
"Ah, ,good!" he answered. with
quick and devilish leer. 1T Is my
usual weapon. It had bid fair to be
stupid evening, but you have come
gloriously to my rescue!"
His face now glowed with the in
sanity of the. professional duelist, and
In his enthusiasm he held out his hand
to me. But folded my arms and
drew back.
IL will have nothing OF your hand.
air. save what ! have demanded. II
you are unwilling to return the note,-
make no pretepsion. Let us go for
your Witness Time is factor with
me-" o. 4.a.. ...'
II should think SOL" he exclaimed.
"And your words take from me my
last conjunction | will kill you with