Green-Mountain freeman. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1844-1884, 1846-04-16

On the morning succeeding the events Just
related, WaldeGord, to his great grief and aston
ishment, received, by the hand of a servant, a
note from EIston, that could bear no miscon-
struction. 1t asked for 10 explanation or apol-
ogy, but demanded an instant hostile meeting.
That EIston could 50 far forget or trample upon
all the rights of hospitality, as to ~endanger thus
the peace aud happiness of the family in which
they were beth guests, he felt must be attribu-
table to a rage that had its origin in something
more serious than the quarrel of the preceding
day. Nor was he mistaken in believing that the
previous interview between himself and Lilias,
and the unexplained incident which EIston had
accidentally witnessed, was the moving cause of
his present incxcusable conduct.
He hesitated not in returning a brief and pos
tive refusal to meet his rival, stating that his
principles would prevent him, under any citcum-
stances, from giving or accepting a challenge
of this nature, and that, even if such were not
the case, his regard for those most dear to him,
would, at the present time and place, forbid it,
When WaIdeford received Elston's challenge,
he was in his room, about starting for a neigh
boring grove, to while away a few hours in
shooting or contemplation, as his feelings or as
circumstances might influence him. When he
had despatched his answer, he put on his hunt
ing dress, the same which he had worn on the
day Of the memorable robbery, and over it, as
the morning was sufficiently cool to form a pre-
text for so doing, a surtout coat, took his rifle IN
honI ,ll ,olEol f,r,h H. L1 -. Al
grove but a short time, when he was joined by
EIston and William, the former of whom, with
rapid steps, advanced to him, and said in a voice
trembling with anger;
'Mr. Waldeford, you have injured me. Do
you deny me satisfaction
'IfI have injured you, sir was the reply, q
am at all times ready to give such satisfaction as
justice requires
You insulted me in the presence of those
whose good opinion l most value
iii did, sir, my apology was also made in
their presence
That apology was conditional
1T is all that | can offer you, sir, until you
convince me that | have wronged YOU
Mr.. Waldeford, said Elston, speaking rapid
y, and growing momentarily more fierce, as i
goaded by the memory of some inepar able
wrong, this is the time and place to settle oul
quarrel. We are both armed, and armed alike
Your pretended principles shall not protect you
1t is a towards plea and without waiting fol
a reply, he rapidly measured off the ordinar,
distance usual in rifle d%uelIing, and took hi
station at one extremity, with his back against
tree.
William looked on in amazement. Unappri
G sed, until then, of the challenge, and horror
struck at the conduct of his friend, he used ev
e cry argument to dissuade him from his DESIGN
but, with the fire of anger cleaning, like that G
= insanity, in his eye, the Infatuated man insiste
d upon the combat, and that William should re
e main, if not as a second, at least as a witnes
o that it was honorably conducted.
Have you no regard for the happiness of GU
!, friends, who are scarcely beyond the sound
our fre-armsF cody asked Waldeford.
Too much was the %taunting reply, ito aIlo,
h you longer to infest their residence
We'll, said Waldeford, turning to William
l presume am entitled, as the CHALLENGED pa
ty, to the first fire.
The latter bowed, and turned pale, ~supposin
that the last ungenerous speech of Elston, t,
gether with his apparently fixed determinatio
re to fight, had at last induced Waldeford to fiji
in selEdefence, and he was well aware that hi
aim was unerring. Waldeford walked rapid
up to a tree adjoining the one against which h
antagonist was standing, and, before either couI
conjecture his object, placed a small silver COZ
I'd about breast high in the %crevices of the bar.
lie and said:
Bear me witness, Elston, that | seek n
e your lie. This mark is breast high. Co
slder it your heart. If my ball pierces it, ii
duel is at an end. If not, / will stand VOL
fire.