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/ ~~ ""Why, he said he knew the count «. and that he was a proud, reckless m fellow and worth but little to sociâ€" _ jety; that was all. Hg did not seem "to care much about it anyway; only w\ he said he should have done just as _ you did and that every law of jusâ€" _ tice would bear you out. He Lnd ‘ more curiosity than interest, though _ I am. sure a{l his sympathies are ‘ with you." . _ oo 8# _ | "And did he ask you any guesâ€" &Efll m&ing the particulars .. >\ Yesâ€"many.". ‘ â€"_ "And how answered you ?" / _._"I told him the whole story, from â€" beginning to end. I found that he \. knew something of their purpose ‘\ from what he accidentally overâ€" " heard, and, rather than have him go _ Away full of surmises, I told him worll.". x ive it." . L m o b Urzen drew a sealed from his pocket and handed it ) Ruric, who took it and broke the He opened it and read as folâ€" *Only the monk," returned ;“ s-_-:nsthml very important @©Do you mean the black monkâ€" Â¥ladimir?" asked the young man, oob oieg . 4 z: F C master, ~He called here pul -’middlo of the forencon. e wanted one of the small daggers ith the pearl haft." _ "And J:l.you let him have one?" _ "Certainly.. He paid me 4 duc, %for it and would have paid more I been willing to take it." yisit?" a..“‘& was waiting at the inn for a fldfivhen he overheard the count and h companion conversing upon the subject." | %rn'i did he make any conversaâ€" ""Yes. He asked me why the Count Damonofft came here yesterday." *~"Ha! How did he know of their â€" "Ruric Nevel," he said, bowing very stiffly and haughtily, "I bring message from the Count Damoâ€" \ "Very well, sir," returned the gunmaker proudly, "I am ready to __"Of the message too?" ~â€"£¥es, my master. I told him all that happened, from the showing of \t“rper which the duke had drawn up to the departure of the angry "And what did the monk say ?" Ruric asked very earnestly.. â€" .. "«Very well," returned Ruric. "It can matter but little what the monk thinks about it, though I would #ather have him know the truth if Elnnst know anything, for I would not be misunderstood." Jence. It was past 3 o‘clock when Ruric‘s mother came and informed him that a gentleman in the house would speak with him. _ _ â€" "He understands it all now, m amaster, and I trust you are not of’- ;;dod at the liberty I took in tellâ€" ing him." é Not at all, Paul; not at all." _ Here the conversation dropped, und the work was resumed in si ~ "Is it Stephen Urzen?" asked the « ‘gfl:other said it was. & bid him come out here." _ Claudia retired, and in a few moâ€" ments more the gentleman made his ke more softly than before, saw something in the gunâ€" ‘s face which ie dared not ‘Are uainted with Alario rei Imt::ntofthognud? * sir; I know him well." F*"fl'?lrld?nnfcryonhhim. ill make all n arrangeâ€" and © I .nm myself > bybi”phu. I trust that is "YFem sir" * p you and I need have no With some little show of confusion. &% d oo i o t 1 buric Nevelâ€"An insolt of the most aggravating ure has for the time leveled all distinctions of te between us.. Your blood alone can wash out stain. _ I would not murder you outright, and other way but this can I reach you. My the bearer of this, will make all arrangeâ€" Itâ€"you dare not meet me, say so, that all is the coward. Dawoxorr. Ruric had read the missi it in his hand andgl.a er some moments in the face speaking. you answer?" asked Urzen. thop, where: he went at work ‘.-;,L«.a vhich ' |. l f;‘, before. As yet he had thing to Paul oonecmi:;th. ir of the day before since his reâ€" ; from the Kremlin. He‘asked now, however, if any one had friend deem it no _ more than t to speak of itâ€"L trust you m CHAPTER TV THE CBALLENCE > By Sylvanus Cobb, Jr. Runic, with & w o of the lip, for he knew the man was lying. . He could see by the felâ€" low‘s very looks that Damonoff had :umnflniond him to broach this ter. "Of course you are," returned Urâ€" Â¥en‘ ; not entered mind re, save that I -nm-fl swords m the only weapons thought of. However, Orea will settle it with you. I have gv-_: him no directions at all save 5s serve me .:hh thinks proper mu:i; act u Win' iflhv;’témolmhthmi I would the same again under provocation. You m&axntl now?" "I do, sir," returned Urzen in a choking tone. ’ "Then wait a mom?)t', u’z’d’ will give you a message to Orsa. Thus Hmking, Ruric went to his desk, an uKon the bottom of the missive he had received from the count he wrote: Desar Alaricâ€"I send this to you by the same "And the count is most excellentâ€" ty versed in the use of the sword, is he not ?* * . ce % "Aye; so I thought. But it matâ€" m.!fim_.. n&@_hudlthd Desar Alaricâ€"I send this to you by the same hand that bore it to me, and you are hereby emâ€" powered to act for me as you may deem proper. 1 shall be governed strictly by your arrangements. Having written this, he showed it to Urzen and asked hinx if he would bear it to the lieutenant. An afâ€" firmative reply was given, and then, simply folding the note in the opg- site way from the original fold, the gunmaker superscribed it anew to the lieutenant and handed it to his visitor. â€"Urzen took it, and, with a stiff bow, but without speaking, he turned and left the place. _ _ That evening about‘ 8 o‘clock a sledge drove up to Rurie‘s door, and Alaric Orsa entered the house. He called the youth aside and informed him that the arrangements had all been made. a "Damonoff is in a hurry," he said, "and we have appointed the meetâ€" ing at 10 o‘clock tomorrow foreâ€" noon. It will take place at the bend of t,!:c river just beyond the Viska hill. s "And the weapons ?" asked Ruric, "Swords," returne:l Orsa. "The count will bring his own, and he gives you the privilege of selecting such a one as you choose." _ & "I thank you, Alsric, for your kindness thus far, and you may rest assured that I shall be prompt." "Suppose I call here in the mornâ€" ing for you ?" suggested the visitor. ‘"I should be pleased to have you do so." +/* "I will, then. I shall be do‘:f in good season with my sledge, and we will both reach the ground togethâ€" er." with more than ordinary interest. He had once made up his mind that he would say nothing to his mother about the affair until it was over, but as the time was set and the hour drew nigh his mind wavered. When it was over, where might he be? But he wils cut short in his reflecâ€" tions by the voice of his parent. Thus it was arranged, and then Orsa took his leave. When Ruric returned to his seat by the fireplace, he noticed that his mother watched him narrowly and trembled while she spoke, "you will glrdon me for pryins into your afâ€" airs, but I cannot hide from myself that something of more than usual moment is the matter with you. Why are these men calling to and fro? â€"And why are you so thought, ful and moody ? You know a moth er‘s feelings, and you will pardon a mother‘s anxiety." _ _ _ 4 "What is it?" she tremblingly utâ€" NNi Py on Auveatt in wl a > Sine "Listen," the young man said. ‘And thereupon he detailed the cirâ€" cumstances uM‘:y the visit of the Count Dam: to his Ma Then he told of his own visit Rosalind and its result and then of the visit of Stephen Urzen. _ __ ;Axi? now, l'ntyi::o:hc," he addâ€" without wai for any reply, "you know it all. You see how 1 am situated. Rememmber, our nation has reached its present point by sguc« h "He is accounted a fair swords ns by the voice of ,n}s sarent. "Ruric," she said, and her voice FOR OVER SIXTY YEARS ie 2 > to a E ~j~."“ I-â€"-I-i’,-'|> U upon his name 1 would sc |‘ :'a h&-u Ob, Ruric, vo. know whether dishonor wou!! r~s! m &g’o you to refuse this _ 1 will s ioly, dear other," mbo rfi in a â€" tone, Aor ;-lw’- kindness | mwl him. "lo m soul 1 perfectly )utih‘ in -;t-lfi this meeting, for no ‘t.i:dgk real honor is at stake. were I to back out now from erom Thor n Aogeve. Eul generous in scow, â€" Every one wouldâ€"point the finger of scoru toward me, and the word coward would ring always in my ears.. It u:{ be a false state of thingsâ€"I feel that it really is goâ€"but how ean 1 help it ? â€" It is the curse ofvall great military epochs. Battle al makes heroes, and so all must measâ€" ure their honor by the force of their arms. ‘The count carries even now upon his brow the mark of my blow, and all will say he has a right to demand satisfaction, though f know that he fmvoked the ‘quarrel on purpose. ] cannot refuse him on the ground ‘of station, for be is above me in that. J must meet him." "Then," said the mother in a low, calm tone, but with much effo: t, "you shall not feel that your moth: r would thwart your design, 1f your own good judgment says go, then T. If they bnngryour body to mie in the stern grasp of death, 1 shall pray for the soul that has fon and shall E:r to meet {you in the home of the eemed. ~If you come back to me alive, I shall thank God that you are sparcd. . RBut, alas, the joy will be croz.dcd wit‘? the thought of blood upon your hands and the knowledge that my joy is another‘s grie{ !" "No, no, my mother," cried Rurie quickly and carnestly. "I will not have a fellow being‘s blood upon my band if 1 can avoid it. Only to save my own life will I take his _ He has done all this himselfâ€"all, all. The quarrel was his own, and the first blow was his. The challenge is his, and now is not the responsibility his also ?" 5 "It is, my son, so far as he alone is concerned. If you have a responâ€" e‘bility, it must be to your own soul. Dut tell me, has not the emperor made some new law touching this practice of dueling ?" "Yes, but only the challenger is Eponsible. The party challenged is d free from blame in the eyes of the law." "Then I shall interpose no more objections," said the mother. She tried to speak hopefully, but she could not hide the f:rfnfvudnm of her hbeart. "Could fervent ?rn er avert the blow it should not fall, gut I can only pray as one without powâ€" er." ing back the tears that strugoled for utterance in their silent speech, "is there any little word you would leayeâ€"any mattier of moment"â€" _ "Ah, be not too confident, my son. Let no such assurance lu(}’gou to forget your God. I have heard of this count. It was he who slew Rutâ€" ger, and Momjako, too, he slew in the duel. â€" He is an expert swordsâ€" man and surely means to kill you if he can." A long time after this was passed in silence. Both the mother and son scemed to bave something upon their nunds which they wished to saÂ¥, but dared not ~â€"But the former at length overcame her reluetance. "No, no," the boy answered, speaking calmly by effort. "I am yours, and all is yours. But I shall not fall." & "I am aware of that, my mother. But do you know that we are all prone to overlook our own powers when ;ondefing‘:pon the feats of others? I may be pardomed for asâ€" suring you that the on:g man who has :‘v'm't overcome the count at the m'u one of my own echolars. While in Spain I practiced with some of the best swordsmen in the kingdom. But, listen, I will send one word. For yourself I can tell you nothing which you do not know. Butyotmmymnon- lind. If you do, tell herâ€"â€" But you know my soul. You can tell her as _ It was now late, and ere long Ruâ€" ric kissed his mother and then reâ€" tired to his bed. And the widow was left alone. With her eyes she followed the reâ€" trafingnfndhchdotdwn, and w he was gone from her sight the bowed her head and sobâ€" bed aloud. When she reached her hnbloo:“,dnh‘myb?:ddo o 2 to He dW hen meloeats but sho looked into the Kot one ray of reached M;&S‘!‘!" "Buric. my son." she said. keep Yot on a chair, he turned and hurried | from WJM In the hall he , threw on his pelisse and bonnet, and . then he opened the door and passed dqi:m a cross hilt of hearily gilded metal, e phfi the point upon the Ooor, and then, with ‘:il his might, he bent the blade aill pomme} touched the point. The lithe steel lprunf buck to. its place with a sharp clang, and the texture was pot started. ‘Then he struck the flat of the blade upon the apvilâ€"with great force, 'l'g: ring was sharp and clear, and the weapon remninarunhurnml. "By St. Mic! does not eon:u‘il: that. Damaseu ter." . ‘Thus spoke the rnker io his boy as hbe balanced the beautiful w in his hand. . + think you are right, my mas the boy returned, who had beâ€" held the trial of the blade with unâ€" bounded admiration. "But," he addâ€" "could you not temper a blade e that ?"* Perhaps if I bad the stcel.. But I have not. ‘The steel of these two blades }?m from India and d:u originally in one wespon, a orâ€" on'a“ two {unded affair belongi’:g to a Bengal chieftain, ‘The metal posâ€" sesses all the hardness of the finest razor, with the eluticit{d of ~the most subtle gpring, : My old master at Toledo gave me these as a meâ€" mento. ~Were I to mention the sum of money he was once offered for the largest one you would hardly credit it." "How much ?" asked Paul, with a boy‘s curiosity. y * in "It was a sum equal to about 700 ducats." _ "And yet he gave it away." "Aye, for its price was but imagiâ€" nary, while its worth to him was onâ€" ly commensurate with the good it d)id him.. If he told the truth, be loved me, and these he gave me as a parting gift as the best patterns I could wisf for when making such." . "God bless vou, my mother! 1 shall come back." He said this and then kissed her. "God keepâ€"and"â€" It was all she could say. Ruric gazed a moment into her face, then he kissed her again, and again he said: es After this Ruric put up the small sword, and then he gave Paul a few directions about the work, promigâ€" ing to be back before nisht. The {aithful boy.shook his head dubiousâ€" ly as he beard this promise, but he said nothing, and shortly afterward Ruric went into the house. Just :lhen Alaric Orsa drove up to the oor. _"God bless my mother! I shall comebwk’.z" He dared not m{ to.speak more. Gently seating his fond mother upâ€" Ruric was all ready but putting on his bonnet and pelisse. His mother was in the kitchen. +He went to her with a smile upon his face. He put hbis arms about her aod drew her to his bosom. "I asked," continued Orsa, "beâ€" cause Damonoff prides himself u(mx: the v:sau he wears. It is a man blade, and he thinks he can cut in twain the blade of any other weanon in Moscow with it." "Have you a good weapon?" askâ€" ed Orsa u’:}?e horse startgd on. "I have a fair one. I think it will not deceive me," returned Ruric. . "I have a Eood weapon," Ruric said quietly, "and onepovhich has stood more tests than most swords will bear." And after some further remarks he related the peculiar cirâ€" cumsetknces attending the making of the sword and his possession of it. At 1 they struck upon the tiver, m half an bour mare they Uwania G R IP PE Capsule ty, I think, to the fact that those who once use Them recommend them to others."â€"J, A. Mussnov®, Druggist, ought to be giltâ€"edged eviâ€" dence of merit, coming, as it does, direct from. a druggist who has for years been selling "Last winter T sold from 4 to 16 bomes of Uwanta Capeules daily, 1 find the amhes rapidly Increasing. owing largeâ€" as one of the ‘highly reâ€" commended *‘ curesâ€"and here are his words : Boxes D a i l y 20 imel, Paul, Moseow : apother Lbiade like s never saw a botâ€" were they should reprir to the building ?l;’dsvuchfiu hand. ‘This was # large open boathouse which wa u::dund and deserted : mhmm and it wis pnlr.ed go because the reflection of the strong sunlight from the br?btm was caleutated to blind and blur eve. 6 "Ha! ;’but‘ lu:l: tbtt‘: uttered rea as he saw a turning the bend of th‘flvcs:;{h an officer in it. * h "It is ouly a s " replied Damon:fl.:'zl' b:o:!’*s ‘:fi :z # n‘s: Pcesh without & mr chanée to survive ftl."u j ~"And then you may find him serviceable to yourself, eh?" sugâ€" gested the lieutenant. __. .â€" _ __» In a moment more the new ddm came up, and Ruric recognized inmate as an nm&n whom he had seen before, om knew not his name. * "Now . for the old boathouse," cried Urzen. , _ _"Of course. _ There is no telling what may happen." sn "Aye," added Damonoff. "Let us have this business done, for I would be back to dinber, 1 dine with Olga today, and a fair maiden awaits my coming."" ie‘ . & 125. ‘"That is one of his chief points when ezlx{aied in an affair of this kind. He hopes to get you angry and so unhinge your nerves." . ., * ""Notice him not," whispered Orâ€" sa, who walked close by Ruric‘s side. "Never fear," returned the gatnâ€" maker. "Be sure h6 only bnnjl new danger to himself, for such efâ€" forts will find their point in the muscle of my arm." â€" â€"â€"~ *# The party. halted when th reached the ’interior of the m; structure, and the count threw off his pelisse and drew his sword. <Ruâ€" rie &cl]owed his example. 4 + "Sir count," the latter said as he moved a step forward, "ere we comâ€" mence this work 1 wish all present to understand distinetily gow I stand. You have souggn this quarâ€" rel from the first. Withont the“ust provocation from me you have inâ€" sulted me most grossly, and this is the climax. . So, before God and man, be the result upon your own head." "Out, lzing knave"â€" "Hold," cried the surgeon, laying his hand heavily upon the count‘s arm. "You have no right to speak thus, for you:lower yourself when you do it. If you have come to fight do so bonorably." Ts An angry reply was upon Damoâ€" noff‘s lips, but he did not speak it. He turned to his antagonist and said : "Will you measure weapons, sir? Mine may be a mite the longest. I seek no advantage, and 1 have one bere of the same length and weight as my own if you wish it." The two swords were crossed in an instant, with a clear, sharp clang. . Now, for the first time, that conâ€" temptuous look Eued from ~thé count‘s face. As his eye caught his lnh&:nist’l position, as he noticâ€" ed calm, disnifled, quiet ease of every limb an he caught the deep, mystic fire oi those expressive eyes he knew he had no comâ€" mon amateur to deal with. ~~ "1 am well satisfied as it is," reâ€" plied Ruric. \ex the seat of physical power, were Huâ€" ric‘s alone to possess.. Yet Conrad Damonoff was accounted a strong man. In the athletic sports of the sourt club he had few superiors and not many equals. But Ruric Nevel had never shown his strength there. At length Conrad Damonoff startâ€" ed back, and a quick cry escaped his lips. His antagonist‘s point had touched his bosom. It had pressed against his heart and had not been driven home. Well he knew that his life was his no longer, for the ful- maker had gained it and epared it. _ "*Â¥YÂ¥ou fence well," he gasped, struggling to regain his composure. â€"*Then take your ground. Are you ready ?" _ And the â€" wea were crossed. .g;lh'i'n time Dcn]:oo:'ol was more guarded. Before he had been impelied by his own assurance, but now he was forced tonrqud hh‘ckor ent‘s power. ane i mnd that the other was no::eno’- ful than at first, and he eu-ii:d .b: is the loft, then sb therthrosh oo Hoprmnn nomeh Ihuneg There was some contrast between the two combatants, but not\much apparently. The count was a little the taller, and Ruric was somewhat heavier. But to a close observer there was a peculiar contrast in the bearing of the two men. That breast swelling out so qoblz and those mussive shoulders, made for "You are not a novice," returned Ruric calmly, at the same time alâ€" lewing his point to drop. _ _ > "Come Bn,":l!;ohe.&nnt ntur;d. now gathering is energies for another effort. € As soon as the co od arrived and the when the . around ~â€""Sir .count," here. Soko Ruric calmly, but with marked contempt, to.: His own movement was mefiu’. He received his anta C ‘s sword mfi'a.upn own blade, then moved his arm quickly forward and caught the point uk his cross guard; then, with all power, he wrenched his arm upward and dbukvn;d, and mth count‘s sword went flying across the Buildâ€" ing.: It struck the o{fioeito wall with a dall nlani, and the next inâ€" stant it was half buried in the gnow. "Fear not, sir," said Ruric as the count started back, with both hands niug. "I never strike an unarmed Damonoff‘s arms fell to his fi ri'.df- deep blush of Aham.n ace, "By St. Paunl," cried the surgeon, “youry life is forfeited, sir count, and now you should be satisfied." j “N:‘,i’nb," the dineon:tmed mn.:i cls‘med, starting up rage mortification. ‘sl‘lnt was but ‘!:lhn{ "Twas a false step, a cowardly I am not overcome." "But, man of morhl?. even new your life is Nevel‘s. He may run you through now if he chooses." .. n â€"*"But he has not," the count cried, springin% to where his sword had fallen and snatching it up. _ _ _ C 4) r ha t "you should not blame:me for what I ‘have done, fothtmpe have you tried to break my sword." _ x __"Perhaps not," our hero retorted. "But be sure .Ionr sword shall be used no more after this day." _ _ There is â€"4U S j searcoely a fom 2 M , a farmer in this \z\ se is country but R sY a[ »; knows what «w 944 _6 backache is. â€" P ' (J K\ T he h ard oA J/A" / work an d '___‘f', I beary lifts, NJ EL the constant ‘s:, L ’ grind of toil > ~As; I from early "~â€"ir atjea morning till: late at night, freâ€" ancnfly bring the stabbing pain in he back or the dall grinding ache that knows no let. up. Then too there are often urinary trowbles, swtolling of the feet and ankles, puffiness under the eyes, rhenmatic pains in the joints and muscles. Dr. Pitcher ought to be held in high estsem by every farmer in the lan# on secount of his Backache Kiducy Tablets, which are doing fanishing . bnohigho.. Rhiney nod nishing aghe, urinary troubles, which are such universal complaints on the farm. th "Then try it again!" Damonoff returned.>~**Take my sword again if you can." * At the second stroke the count made another furious thrust at his antagonist‘s heart. Ruric sprang quickly aside, and with the whole power of his g.ood right arm he struck Damonoff‘s blade close to the haft and brok&it in twain. "Hal _ Brag not, but strike. If you C&Nâ€".>~ ~ .380 00. "My other sword, my other sword!" the gount shonted, now blinded by absolute madness. "Ob, givomom; other"â€" ~ PBe NA WFc Lt Lk AKL Ssd _ The conclusion of the sentence was drowned by the clash of steel. _ *"Hold!" cried both the m‘gon and S?hen Urzen in concert. "You are mad, Conrad." "Mad? Oh, I shall be mad! Where is my sword?" the reckless man yelled, casting the bladeless pomme! down. "But will you not listen one"â€" "Away, I say! Shall I give up beâ€" cause my sword is broken? By the gods, tie weapon deceived me. Where is the other ?" 5 But the count was beyond all reaâ€" son. In his madness he saw not that his sword had been broken on qlur- g::e. He did not see that he had n at his antagonist‘s mercy. But his friends saw it all. (To be continued.) § "Deceived thee, Conrad?" repeatâ€" ed the surgeom sarcastically. "By the Holy Ghost, bad thy head but receivred a bundredth part of the blow ‘twould not be upon thy shoulâ€" ders now I" WEAVY wWoRrK Mr. C. E. Lane, King Stt tablet doee Farmetr‘s Backache. knche "Aan t ,6“ ¢ af :} e t [ igh) |== £.8 /’ NS *R â€" WH â€"| pos <I |m barly days two Street East, Inâ€" llfl:ylwu&” y work on ery attack With Blook, Wateniga" son‘s cffice, Berlin. JB WEBB, M. D. 5i va ietion Pe io inecntsontiitts a2) Sroile ___ Honor graduate of Toronto Univi iicentiate of the Ooliege m;fim 0-'--«-&-&-"" romind Sotptciqurine Unragin exeand ear treated. Officeâ€" en of the late Dr. 5&'23‘:'-.:-“ s Dentist, L.D.8., Royat os t s esd Store. Entrance between r-mm- ler and Stuebing‘s grocery. _J ___ Painterand Papor Hanging. Wium . _ . dertake contracts for painting and paper hang» f Ing in Town and Country. Firstâ€"cinss work . _ ,_ guaranteed. ‘Charges reasonable. Apply at y residence, OBrner of Queen and Privosss Bte. f An easy shave, a stylish hair ou in a0 Prbilratig shampoon. fmarmoms W. R.Wilkingon, L.D.$., D.D.8. of conveyances constantly mmmhl‘% WATERLOO, HONEST HARNEES AT ursday and Friday of each m uns Frioar t m rBd office will be closed every #r from May 1st to November 1st. Block, Waterloo. Waterloo. Will visit Klm ( o covond Thurminy and 1J WY * k HONEST PJ1 Qet one of my splandid new sets of IMON mng ’Mâ€"Ai his Drug ".‘, OHN L. WIDEMAN Rooâ€"Post Office, Sn Jaueberqate" Mmktt HRISTOPHER WOLFE,Jam. IVERY AND EXCHANGE 8ST. RS. D. 8. & G. H. BOWLEBY R. C. T. NOECKER, Offices Open Daily, Office: Cansdian Block, Berlin, Strebel‘s HARNESS SHOP . HUGHES, M. CRAM, mas , . " Mopat nta Sign Puinter and MISCELLANEOUS MEDICAL DENTIST. LIVERIES DENTAL WELLS, D. D. S.o w4 o