Evening star., 1932-08-21

NA/ ler-sought out his master in
v the studio of his hillside villa
and burst into a stream of
agonized words:
But out In the road. monsieur-they fight
like madmen. They kill one another"
Those roadmen fighting again? Well, why
didn't you stop them?" Peter Hames queried.
vittorios gesture of protest was almost suf-
icient without words.
"One is of a huge size, monsieur" he an
nouneed land neither of them are roadmen."
Peter Hames hurried out, followed at re-
spectful distance by Vittorio, whose firm inten-
ton it was to watch what might happen from
behind the iron gate. The former quickened
his pace as over the low wall, he saw the sway
ing figures of the combatants.
For once vittorio had not exaggerated. The
two men-one a head and a half taller than
the other-struggling now in close grip. were
savagely in earnest. The dust Of the road was
churned up by their straining feet. The smaller
man had evidently been down once, and al
though he was fighting the more hercely of the
two. he was obviously on the point of ex-
haustion. .i
Peter Hames strobe across the road, seized
his antagonist by the collar, and dragged him
back.
You've had enough of this, you two" he
declared. Break away! Do you hear?"
The answer was . vicious left-hand jab
leap to one side He retained his hold however.
You've both had all that's good for you"
he repeated firmly Besides" he added to
his captive, you're big enough to kill that
man"
I'm going to when get my wind again,
was the furious retort.
The threatened combatant stumbled to the
low wall which protected the garden Of the
villa He sat down and buried his face in
his hands.
Suddenly, Peter Hames, looking from one
to the other, realized that they both belonged
externally at any rate-to his own class. He
had expected TO find fight between two Of
the peasants of the district, but. notwithstand-
ing his torn raiment and disfgured face, he
recognized the man seated upon the wall as
q well known figure in the pfincipality-a
retired English soldier Of some distinction. His
opponent, although something about him
seemed vaguely familiar. was ~ stranger but
his clothes and linen, crwnpled though they
were, were Of the best.
Peter Hames released the latter and, keep
ing between the two, addressed the man with
whom he had some acquaintance.
What the mischief's all this about, cosonel?"
he asked :
The pathetic figure upon the wall looked up
wearily.
IT can't kill him" he Ianented. mot like
this, anyhow. shall kin him before long, but
every day he lives Is day OF agony"
The younger man stole forward.
$50 you are going to kill me. are you?"
You'll be lucky If you live for week." re-
piled the colonel I'm afraid" he added.
turning to his rescuer. you'll have to leave
us alone, Hames It's not your affair"
His opponent approached. swinging one arm
viciou5iy.
'Out Of the wayi" he shouted.
Peter Hames made no movement.
~Inok here he insisted "listen to me for
one moment. This fight has gone far enough
and has got to stop. If you come step nearer
1 shall knock you down, and-hsten-I don't
want to butt in without giving you word of
warning-I was boxing champion at Harvard
for two years and I am in pretty good training
at the present moment. You seem to be fairly
well knocked about already, but you're only
asking for trouble if you come any nearer
to me-
you're that confounded painter fellow
Hames," the young man muttered, looking him
up and down.
You have the advantage Of me- but you'll
be staring at the sky In another minute If
you ere not careful"
What the devil do you want to interfere
for at all? It's not your business"
Isn't it?" Peter Hames reioined well, I'm
making it mine. When see youngster of
your size attacking an older man a head and
half shorter have something to say What
I suggest" he continued, "is that you both
come into my villa here have wash and
brush UP and shake hands over . drink"
Whatever the nature Of their hate may have
been. it was at least mutual Neither Of them
relaxed in the slightest degree.
"Yeu are one Of these kind hearted persons, "
the colonel said coldly. who interfere In mat
tiers concerning which they know nothing. ]