The citizen. [volume] (Berea, Ky.) 1899-1958, 1922-09-28
Page Three

quite right" Grey answered. skill.
fully testing his bit of steel
Keep well out Of the way. Eph-
rain" warned Erskine "and take this
pistol. You may need II. II I am
worsted, to protect yourself"
Indeed, yes" returned Grey, "and
kindly instruct him not to use Il to
protect you" For answer Ersklne
sprang from the misunderstanding
formal courtesles.
EN- garde!" he called sternly
Grey was cautious at first, trying
out his opponents increase in skill:
"You have made marked improve
ment"
Thank you" smiled Erskine.
"Your wrist Is much stronger"
Naturally" Grey leaped backward
and parried Just Ia time a vicious
thrust that was like a dart pf light
ming.
"Ah! A Frenchman taught yod
that"
"a Frenchman taught me all the
little I know"
81 wonder II he taught you how to
meet this"
"He did" answered Ersklne parry
ing easily and with an answering
thrust that turned Grey suddenly
anxious Constantly Grey Unanswered
to keep his back to the moon. and
just as constantly Ersklne easily kept
him where the light shone fairly on
both. Grey began to breathe heavily.
Il think, too" said Erskine, that
my wind is a little better than yours
would you like short resting
spelli"
From the shadow Ephraim chuckled.
and Grey snapped:
"Make that black devil"
keep quiet. Ephralm!" broke In
Erskine sternly. Again Grey maneu-
vered for the moon. to no avail, and
Erskine gave warning:
"Try that again and I will put that
moon in your eyes and keep II there"
Grey was getting angry now and was
beginning To pant
"Your wind is short" said Ersklne
with mock compassion. 81 will give
you little breathing-spell presently"
Grey was not wasting his precious
breath now and he made no answer.
"Now!' said Erskine sharply, and
Greys blade flew from his hand and
lay like streak of silver on the dewy
grass. Grey rushed for II.
"D-n YOU he ragged, and wheeled
neutrality-suspicious., humOr, and eau
ton quite gone-and they fought now
In deadly silence. Ephralm saw the
British officer appear In the hall and
walk unsteadily down the steps AZ
though he were coming down the path,
but he dared not open his lips. There
was the sound Of voices and II was
evident that the game had ended In a
quarrel and the players were coming
up the river bank toward them. Err
skine heard, but If Grey did he at
first gave no sign-he was too much
concerned with the death that faced
him. Suddenly Erskine knew that
Grey had heard, for the fear in his
triumph and he dashed suddenly into
defense-if he could protect himself
only little longer, Erskine had de-
layed the finishing stroke too long and
he must make II now. Grey gave
way step by safeguarding only.
The blades flashed like tiny bits Of
lightning Erskine's face, grim and
memorable. brought the sick fear back
into Grey's. and Erskine saw his enc
my's lips open. He lunged then, his
blade went true. sank to the hllt. and
Grey's warped soul started on its way
with craven cry for help. Erskine
sprang back into the shadows and
snatched his pistol from Ephraim's
hand:
Get out of the way now. Tell them
I did IT,"
Once he looked back. He saw Bar
bara at the hall door with old nanny
behind her With running leap he
vaulted the hedge and. hidden In the
bushes, Ephraim heard firetiy's hOofs
beating ever more family the sandy
road.
IT. ha copf;uuaHN