Evening journal., 1922-07-24
~ .r1IJE
/! I! o.: l':::''.
~ ob Rafael Sabattni
Q By Rafael Sabatlrll


, announced the death of Chabrillane
} that NJ. de La MotteRoyau would
, probably not disturb the harmony OF
the Assembly for some weeks 10
come. assuming that he were so for
tunate as TO recover ultimately from
the effects OF an unpleasant accident
with which he had quite unexpect-
edly had the misfortune to meet
that morning.
On Thursday he made an iden-
teal announcement with regard to
the Nidame de Blavon. On Friday
he told them that he had been de-
layed by NJ. de Troiscantins, and
then turning to the members OF the
Cote Droit, and lengthening his face
TO a sympathetic gravity:
II am glad TO inform you, mes
sieurs. that NJ. de Troiscantins Is
in the hands OF very competent
surgeon who hopes with care to
restore him TO your councils in a
few weeks time.
The Friday OF that very busy
week found the vestibule OF the
Menage empty OF swordsmen when
he made his leisurely and expectant
egress with La Chapelier.
Have they had enough?" he
wondered. addressing the question
to lie Chapelier.
out there under the awning a
group OF gentlemen stood in earnest
talk. Scanning the group in a rapid
glance, Andre-Louls perceived NJ.
than.
He frightened his lips. He must ar
ford no provocatlon. It must be for
them to fasten their quarrels upon
him.
stu. matters could not be left
where they were, or he should have
had all his pains for nothing. Care
fully looking away from that group
OF gentlemen, he raised his voice so
that his words must carry TO their
ears.
III begins 10 look as II my fears
OF having to spend the remainder OF
nv DAYS in the Bois were idle
out Of the corner of his eye ne
caught the stir his words created IN
that group. Pacing slowly along be-
tween his friends he resumed;
"But is Il not remarkable that the
assassin of Lagron should make no
move against I.agron's successor
or perhaps Il Is not remarkable.
Perhaps the gentleman Is prudent.
He had not long TO wait. Came
oulck step behind him. and a hand
falling upon his shoulder, spun MIN
round He was brought
face TO face with M. de La Tour
d'Azyr. whose handsome counter
ance was calm and composed, but
whose eyes reflected something OF
the sudden blaze OF passion stirring
in him,
you spoke OF me. I think" said
the Marquis quietly.
81 spoke OF an assassin-yes. But
TO these my friends AMBIGUOUS
manner was no less quiet.
you spoke loudly enough to be
overheard" said the Marquis an
swering the insinuation that he had
been eavesdropping. II perceive
that II is your aim 10 be offensive
"Oh. but you are mistaken, NJ. lie
MARQUIS. I have no wish to be Of
'ensive. But I resent having hands
-iolently laid upon me. especially
when they are hands that I cannot
consider clean"
The elder mans eyelids fickered.
Utmost he caught himself admiring
bearing. Rather, he
cared that his own must suffer by
Because OF this, he
nraged altogether, and lost control
Z himself. "You spoke OF me as the
of Lagron. But how much
etter are you, NJ. the fencing-mas-
err, when you oppose yourself to men
rhose skill is as naturally inferior
0 your owni"
IT oppose myself TO theml" said
.ndre-Louis in a tone OF amused
rotest. ''Ah, pardon, M. le Mar
uis; II is they who chose 20 oppose
themselves 20 me-and so stupidity. q
hey push me. they slap my face,
hey tread on my toes, they call me
" unpleasant names. What II
IN a fencing master2 Must I on
hat account submit 10 every manner
4 iN-treatment from your bad
hammered friends?
"Comedian!" the Marquis con-
emptuously apostrophized him. Are
hese men who live by the sword
Ike yourself?"
ION the contrary, NJ. le Marquis,
have found them men who died by
he sword with astonishing ease.
annot suppose that you desire TO
id yourself TO their number"
And why. II you please p Ia Tour
'Azyr's face had famed scarlet be-
ore that sneer.
"Oh,' Apdre-Louis raised his eye
rows and pursed his lips. man
onsidering. He delivered himself
owly. Because. monsieur, you
refer the easy victim-the I.agrons
I'd Vilmorins of this world, mere
leep for your butchering. That is
by"
And then the Marquis struck him.
CONTINUED in Our Next Issue)