Orleans independent standard. [volume] (Irasburgh, Vt.) 1856-1871, 1856-07-04
fiterarp 5eltftions.
WHICH WAS THE COWARD Z
BY r. 5. ARTHUR.

4teaaAce was an eApFeSsiOiA Vi SAHSAy NJ
fiance The name of this person was
Logan A third party, also a young
man, had asked the question in tone of
surprise aud regret. Before there was
time for a response, Logan said sharply,
ana ii voice Of singing contempt:
ssYou are a poor, mean coward, Ed
ward Wilson! repeat the words; and
Il there isa particle of manhood about
you--
Logan paused for an instant, but
quickly added, "You will resent the in
suit.
Why did he pause? His words had
aroused q feeling in the breast Of Wilson
that betrayed itself in his eyes. The
word coward in that instant of time,
would have more fttingly applied to
james Logan But, as quickly as the
Hasf leaves the cloud, so quickly faded
the indignant light from the eyes of Ed
ward Wilson. What fierce struggle
agitased him for the momenti
ea.sYFe.t have been fast friends, james, p
said Wilson calmly. "But, even if that
were not 50, will not strike"
"Yod're afraid"
i win not denyit. / have always been
afraid to Do wrong"
s'Pah Cant and hypocricy l'' said the
other contemptuously.
You know me better than that, James
Logan; and am sorry that, in your re-
sentiment Of an imagined wrong, you
slloala 50 far forget what is just to my
character as to charge upon me such
mean vices. I reject the implied allega-
tions as faIse"
There was an honest indignation in the
manner of Wilson that he did not attempt
torspress.
e'Do you call me a liar ?" exclaimed Lo-
gam IN uncomfortable passion, drawing
back his band, and making a motion, as
if he were about to strike the other in the
face.
The eyes OF Wilson quailed not, nor
WAS the smallest quiver of a muscle per-
cepsible. From some cause the purpose
of Logan was not executed. Instead OF
giving Blow, he assailed his Antagonist
with words of deeper insult, seeking thus
TO provoke an assault. But Wilson was
not to be driven from the citadel in which
he entrenched himself
s'IfI am coward, well )" he said. ]
would rather be a coward than lay a
hand in violence on him I have called my
friend.
At this moment a light, girlish laughter,
and the ringing or merry voices reached
the ears Of our excited young men, and
their relations Of antagonism at once
changed. Logan walked away in the d.
reetion from which the voices came
while the other two remained where they
had been Standing.
The latter, whose face was now very
sober, and very pale, shook his head slow.
iy- He made no other response.
Il believe you are a coward p ex.
claimed the other impatiently and turn.
ing of, he went in the direction taken by
Logan.
The moment Wilson was alone he seat
ed himself on the ground, concealed from
the party whose voices had interrupted
them, by large rock, and covering hi
face with his hands, continued motionles
for several minutes. How much he suf
fered in that little space of time we vii
not attempt to describe. The struggl,
with his Indignant impulses had beer
very severe. Hewas no coward at heart
What was right and humane he was eve
ready e De, even at the risk to himself Q
Doth physical and mental suffering
SieaFly consciOus was he Of this. Ye
the conseiousness did not and could no
prOtect bis Feelings from the unjust anc
singing charge of cowardice SO angril,
brought against him. In spite of his bet
ter reason, be felt humiliated F; and tber
were moments when he half regretted III
forbearance that saved the insolent Ia
gan from punishment. They were bu
Homentso of weakness; in the strength :
amanly character he was quickly hinse
AGAIN.
The occasion Of this nlisunderstandin
i briefly told Wilson made one Of a Ii
tie pleasure party from a neighbour
Village, that was spending an afernoO
1n shady retreat on the banks of mi
siFeans. There were three or four youn
aasn and . half dozen laaidens and as
-appfzk on such occa-ioy,s soy,,, -; ,1,.;e