The Carolina Spartan. [volume] (Spartanburg, S.C.) 1852-1896, 1857-02-12
afraid to meet him in the grovs'--do your

afraid to meet him In the SroveS--do your
l asked.
"1n the grove!" she exclaimed. "Is i,
there that you are to meet him2-and alone
too!'
"Mr. F., can have few moments con-
versaiion with youl and will you not excuse
me, Miss W., when I assure you that the
interruption was necessary"
These words were addressed to us during
our conversation by one of the gentlemen
OF the company, who took me aside, and
questioned me very earnestly upon the
strange manners of Edward towards me. |
handed him the note which had received,
and, after reading it over and over again,
we concluded to leave the company private.
ly, and wend our way towards the v. grove.
The cold night air, as we left the warm
and briliantly-iluminated parlor or hall of
old Mr.. b., made us draw our cloaks closely
about us and walk briskly forward. Ne-
ther of US seemed disposed TO enter into
conversation, for our heads and faces were
almost covered by our cloaks. AS walked
along In silence, | reviewed in my mind the
events of the evening, and could not shake
oh sad forebodings. At times regretted
that had been over.persuaded by my
youthful impetuosity to venture upon so
novel and mysterious meeting with an en-
tire stranger in dismal wood. Then
began to suspect my companions motives,
and thought how easily he might act the
accomplice for Edward, and lead me direct
ly to danger-or perhaps death.
What connection was there between Miss
W., and Edward and myself? What did
Miss WIS. warning meanl All these
thoughts ran hurriedly through my mind,
nor could they be answered or explained by
reason.
"Hark! did you hear that whistle! Mr.. F, >
asked my companion.
mo, sir, heard nothing" l replied,
sand would just as leave return again as
venture further, for it's all madness and fol.
ly any how"
Scared ! by jingo!' exclaimed my com.
panion.
"Well, sir, acknowledge that am, and
L would like to know what tue whole thing
means"
"Pshaw, man, it's nothing but an affair Of
honor, no doubt"
"An affair Of honor, sir, means duel in
South Carolina, and retreat to the Clifton
House in Massachusetts; which do YOU
mean?"
"Capital hit that, Mr.. F.-capita! pom
my word!" exclaimed my companion. "Yes,
1t wds Capitol hit, sure enough" re.
piled; "but answer my question:"
"Mr. F." exclaimed my companion, stop
ping short before me, ''it is rather cold
night for mans head to remain uncover.
a1 hut / w oil cnn1 thauob,o al.
and present you with my hat"
"Now, my dear sir, will you not .el me
at once if | am really to fight duel with
this Mr.. Edward M--n," asked, as |
pushed his proifered hat aside.
swell, seriously, Mr.. F., l should SO
judge from the tone of the note which he
handed you"
Then, sir, am not such fool as you
or he supposes me 10 be, and will not meet
him." | angrily replied
"What! not meet him,-and YOU call
yourself a South Caroliniau! Why, Mr.. F.
you surely are joking"
Look here, friend" / exclaimed, as
g!asped him by his arm, 1.-The fact Of my
being Carolnian does not weigh anything
IN this matter, and did consent TO exchange
shots with Mr.. Edward Nh this night,
and my State become acquainted with all
the circumstances, her wisest men would
brand ne as a madman assassin, and her
very children would laugh at my folly.
Why, sir, Mr. NJ - has not injured me
neither have him. We are total strang.
ers; and, beside all this, l am opposed to
duellng, and protest against what is term
ed the code of honor as heterodoxy, and
false from its very foundation.
"Weli, Mr.. f., this is matter of opinion.
but we are now about entering the grove,
which, when we do. we may kindle fire.
and wait 10 see what Mr.. Edward Mn
wants. | do not know that he intends
duel, but let us wait and see anyhow"
Sure enough, we had reached the grove,
and were just about to enter, and with wea.
ry feet and saddened heart we were moving
forward as fast as the darkness would per
init.
Suppose, Mr.. F., that kindle fire lust
here, and then withdraw, that Edward NAV
indeed meet you alone" suggested my com.
panion.
"Well, perhaps that would be the proper
course to pursue" replied; shut be sure to
be near enough, so that you may render
me assistance should need it,"
My companion then hastily kinded a
ire, and, after wairning ms feet awhile,
handed me revolver, and then darted into
tho thick wood surrounding the grove |
listened to the sounds of his foot fall amono
the fallen leaves, until all became silent
again, and found myself alone.
When and how will this adventure Ten.
inmate. and what does it all meanl ask
ed myself, as / seated myself beside the
cracking FIRE, aud examined my revolver.
Well, well, here am, and must of course
remain, until the problem is solved and the
mystery unravelledl exclaimed aloud.
After waiting what seemed to be an eter-
nifty of time, | distinctly heard approaching
footsteps, and rising to my feet, discerned
through the darkness an object slowly ad.