The Bedford gazette. [volume] (Bedford, Pa.) 1805-current, 1856-06-13
WHICH WAS THE COWARD.
By T. 5. ARTHUR.


eWill you bear that, Edward %
The young man TO whom this was addressed
stood facing young man about his own age, on
whose flushed countenance was an expression
of angry defiance. The name Of this person
was Logan. =
A third party, also young man, had asked
the question in tone of surprise and regret
Before there was time for response, Logan said
sharply and with singing contempt:
''Iou are poor, mean, coward Edward Will
son repeat the words, and if there is a par
ticle of manhood about you"
Logan paused for an instant, but quickly adj
ded
"You will resent the insult
Why did be pause !
His words had aroused feeling in the breast
of Wilson that betrayed itself in his eyes. The
word "coward," at that instant, would have
more fttingly applied to James Logan. But,
as quickly as the flash leaves the cloud, so
quickly faded the indignant light from the eyes
of Edward Wilson. What q fierce struggle ag-
itated him for moment
1--WE have been fast friends, James, said
Wilson, calmly "But, even if that were not
so, ] would not strike you."
"You're afraid"
81 will not deny ii, I have always been
afraid to DO wrong"
'.Pah !! Cant and hypocrisy :" Said the 9th
er, contempuouslv.
"You know me better than that. James
Logan and am sorry that, in your resent
ment Of an imagined wrong, you should 50 far
forget what is just 10 my character as to oharg-
upon me such mean vices. | reject the i'm
piled allegations as false
There was an honest indignation in the man
npr of Wilson that he did not attempt TO re-
press.
s'Do you call me liar 2" exclaimed Logan,
in uncomfortable passion, drawing back his
hand, and making motion as If he were about
TO strike the other in the face.
The eyes Of Wilson quailed not, nor waethe
slightest quivrr of muscle percePlibe. From
some cause the purpose of Logan was not exc
cutpd.
Instead Of giving blow, he assailed his an
tagonist with words of deeper insult, seeking
thus to provoke an assault. Blu. Wilson
not to be driven from the citadel IN which he
had entrenched himself.
"lf am coward wrll,' be SAID. 81 would
rather BE- coward than lay hand in violence
on him have once called my tiiend."
Atthis moment light airish laughter and the
ringing Of merry voices reached the ears of our
rXcItrd young men, and their relations OF an
tagonISm at once changed.
Logan walked away in the direction from
which the voices came; while the other two
remained where they had been standing.
"Why DIDN'T you knock him down q SAID
the companion OF Wilson.
The latter, whose face was now very sober
and pale, shook his head slowly. He made no
response.
81 believe you are a coward J" exclaimed
the other impatirntIy and turning of, he went
the same direction taken by Logan.
The moment Wilson was alone, he seated
himself on the ground, concealed from the par
ty whose voices had interrupted them by large
rock, and covering his face with bis hands,
continued motionlpSs for several minutes.
How much hr suffered in that little space Of
time we will not attempt to describe. The
struggle with his indignant impulses had been
very severe. He was no coward in heart.
Wha; was right and humane he was ever ready
to do, even at the rsk to himself of both physi-
cal and mental suffering.
Clearly conscious was he of this. Yet the
consciousness did not and could not protect hls
feelings from the unjust and singing charge OF
cowardce so angrily brought against him.
In spite Of This better reason, he felt humla-
ted and there were moments when he regret
led the lorbearance that saved the insolent Io-
gan from punishment. They were but mo-
mens of weakness; in The strength OF manly
character he was quickly himself again.
The occasion of this misunderstanding IS brief
ly told.
Wilson made one of little pleasure party
from neighhoring village that was spending
an afternoon in a shady retreat on the banks oil
a mill stream.
There were three or four young men and halt
a dozen maidens; and, as il happens on such oc-
casions. some riyalries were excited among the
former.
These should only have added piquancy to
the merry intercourse Of all parties, and would
have done so, had not the impatient tempera-
ment Of Logan carried him little beyond good