The Princeton union., 1922-07-27
Danny Springs a
Surprise
By MYRA c..LANE

n.
''What do you think? Danny's TAX
ing fencing lessons -
There was roar of laughter, in
which Danny Myrick's beautiful wife,
Eleanor, Joined heartily. 1t was so
absurd to think Of Danny doing any
thing athletic.
He'll be challenging you next to
mortal combat, Cally," said one of
the audience.
Callisthenes, the Greek baron and
multi-millionaire, smiled. His name
meant Strong beauty" It did not
belly him. Callisthenes was the hand
soonest and strongest man in beauti-
full Mrs. Myrick's party.
In the private gymnasium, Danny
was grunting as he thrust and parried.
"How'm I coming on?" asked the
instructor.
Mr.. Myrick, I'm giving it to you
straight. l can't get past your guard.
And you'd have killed me three times
this half-hour without buttons and
breast pieces. And only one mans
ever beaten me-that's Lucien. I'd
wager all I've got you could stand up
against anyone"
He looked at him shrewdly. "There
ain't man here who's match with
you," he said.
what did you tell them?"
"That you couldn't handle foil for
nuts, Mr.. Myrick."
In the salon the amusement had
died away. Nobody thought much Of
Danny's doings. The little man had
inherited three millions from his faith
er, Dan Myrick II. Old Dan Myrick
had been colossus in Wall street,
and colossus for body; Danny, the
son, stood five feet four. He had pale,
rumpled hair, mild blue eyes, and col
lected stamps and rare books. A month
after their marriage Eleanor had
scornfully admitted that she had mar
ried him for his money.
AS Danny retired more into his
shell, Eleanor grew more reckless.
She was a dashing beauty, splendid
hOrsewOman. She surrounded herself
with the fastest set on Long Island.
Callisthenes, of the Greek embassy,
was her latest conquest. Everyone
could see that they meant to get rid
Of Danny by some method or other
legal, of course.
The party strolled into the gym
nasium as Danny thrust and grunted,
and stood watching him in amuse-
ment.
How're you coming on, Danny p
asked Callisthenes insolently.
He'll never learn more than he
knows now," said the instructor with
pretended insolence. Everyone was
insolent to Danny.
"How about bout this afternoon,
Callisthenes?' asked Danny suddenly.
The Greek smiled. 'Foils or ia.
piersY' he asked languidly.
"Foils-with the buttons off," said
Danny.
There was sudden hushed silence.
Callisthenes grew red.
"All right" he said at length.
That afternoon the party assembled
The sudden pluck of Danny had inter.
ested them. OF course Cally wouldn't
kill the little fool-he'd said as much
He would pink him in the arm and let
him go. They faced each other, the
Greek sneering, Danny utterly insig,
nificant. They exchanged passes
Callisthenes thrust and Danny par.
ried, twisting the foil out Of his hand
ssEverybody laughed. Callisthenes
swore, picked up the foil, and came on
again, look of surprise on his face.
And then it grew very still in the gym
nasium, for all knew that something
wholly unlocked for was happening.
For Danny was playing with the
Greek as If he were a tyro. AS the
rushes grew more furious Danny, hold.
ing his ground, calmly twisted aside
the others foil. Then in turn he be.
gan to advance. He drove the Greek
all round the gymnasium.
Callisthenes, with painting breath
| and an awful look in his eyes, parried
in vain. Danny was playing with him
He scratched his right arm five times
from wrist to elbow. Round and round
he drove him, while the others fol
lowed them up and down.
That's enough, Danny! Let him
60, Danny! He's beat!' they pleaded
At last Danny's foil flashed, passed
through the others guard, bent dou.
BILE upon his breast-and snapped. In.
| stantly Danny had flung himself upon