Green-Mountain freeman. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1844-1884, 1857-12-17

and am sorry for the blow-let us be friends"
He held out his hand as he spoke, and young
Williams rose and warmly grasped it. He at
tempted to reply, but could not. The sudden
and unexpected demeanor of Mr.. Ashton CON-
| petely unnamed him.
Farther than this, continued Mr. Ashton,
"you showed how truly noble nature you
possessed, in saving the life Of the child of a
man who had insultcd you. She is my only
child. cannot tell you how deeply -"
No more, Mr.. Ashton. pray you say
no more" interrupted Williams. " Your apol-
ogy is sufficient. Now, gentlemen, and you,
Mr. Ashton viii explain ps. metisss il l,r-
suing the course did yesterday. Oh, you
know not, you can never know what feelings l
experienced as stood here branded as liar
and a coward. Bitter thoughts Of revenge
burned within me but overcame them, and
yet, in doing this l placed myself in a false
light, and no doubt, you deemed me indeed a
coward"
"We do not now There is no one present
but is more liable to have the term applied to
him." said Ashton.
I" It was not thus then. was alone, with
out friend near me, and among people
whose customs were directly opposite from
those among which have dwelt. feared
had lost al claim to respect among those pres.
ent by refusing to accept your challegne, but
by and by, when calmer moments came over me
| thanked God did not do it.
had brother once, whose early years gave
promise of manhood which should cover ht
name with honor and renown. He came South
and entered u college here, boarding with ar
aunt of his, for he was too poor to have gont
through the course without her assistance. -
Four years passed, and he graduated with higl
honors. 1t was joyous day when we stoot
at the door in my Northern home and watched
the stage as it came slowly towards the cottage
expecting to soon embrace the loved one VIII
had been so long absent. The coach stopped
the curtains were withdrawn, when instead @
that brothers smile, a coffin met our gaze
1t was soon told he had perished in duel
Words are too feeble to describe my mother
anguish. For year she was raung mania,
Slowly, yet surely her strength yielded to tn
disease, and the morning ere she died, reaso
resumed its sway. On her dying bed made
solemn promise, that under any consideration
no matter how great the insult might receive
l would never accept challenge. Can 20
|, wonder, gentlemen, with that promise made
dying mother, still fresh in my mind, that | r,
fused TO fight! All, Mr.. Ashton, it require
far more courage for Inc to refuse your cha
lenge than it did to risk my life in saving you
child. never realized before how really bra,
a man was who, in obedience to moral powe
I could hold sway over the passions of his n,
ture.'
"God forgive me for tempting you thus,
were the first words Mr., Ashton spoke, as I'll
other concluded. And you, gentlemen, wi
= have been instrumental in saving nv child
life, should you ever come to M, don't ia
!. to visit me-you will always be welcome"
We're obleeged to you, squire" repli
Ballard. I'm cussed if you haint got t
n genuine blood Of true son of Old Kaintuck
d you, after ALL"
|. A few years after the occurrence have ma
% rated took place, received letter from Bs
II lard. He had just attended q wedding-t
parties being Williams and Miss Ashton.
|, Williams still resides at the South, honor
and loved by all who are 20 fortunate as
a form lis acquaintance.