Southern shield., 1858-08-28
The Fatal Oath.

z 'hSiiA | VIII Idll Messrs. Borland and Harland, both running for high political place, met at barbecue to argue their claims be- fore the people. Between them-as it had been between their families for generations before-a bitter hate ex- isted, dated back, Ibelievc, to quar- rel about the time of the Revolution, or prior to 1t, when in Virginia one fam fly claimed and held attachment to the king, while-the others chung to liberty, even while 1t was a nursling in the hands of Patrick Henry, waiting strength to be placed under the guar dian care of a Washington.
 At this barbecue both of these men gray haired they were, too-appcar- ed on the stump without arms upon their persons, so persuaded by their friends, who knew of their hatred each to the other, and had no wish to have their different party candidates cut off at least until they knew how the election would turn.
 But where fresh fuel is heaped upon old emberS, a blaze is sure to raise.- And so in this ease. The speech of MT. BorIand bore hard upon the party of Mr. Harland, yet harder still upon himself. The latter, when 1t came to his turn to reply, spoke with a scath- ing bitterness and personality, which fairely maddened Borland. He bore it, though chafng like caged tiger, for time but at last he broke over all restraining bounds, and pitched in to his opponent, with an argument more so.fst-icdI than philosophical. The consequence was a free fight, which, though it lasted but a few mo- ments, gave grounds for a challenge between the principals.
 It passed, and a meeting with rifles at twenty paces was the result Al the first fire Borland fell dead with a ball through his head. Harland also fell mortaIly wounded, but fingered through the night, with his faculties so restrained that he prepared his will and other documents, and convorscd with the only living one of his family who was near him-a son, then twenty years of age-about his affairs.
 Before dying, he prepared a pack age, and had it sealed carefully, and then calling for his son said:
 civilian, my will is open and car be read as soon as 1 pass away. But this package contains private matter and no one but you can attend to it. for you are the last male of my race.'
 II will attend to any request which you make, my dear father,' replied the unhappy son.
 You must swear to me, boy, tt fulfill this request? The seal mus not be broken until 1 have laid in my grave one week, when you will have regained composure and strength fol your work Swear to me to fulfill my wish :"
 II swear, my father '' replied the youth.
 Harland uttered a bitter curse againsi the Borlands, and fell back on his pill low dead.
 Young Harland had his fathers re- mains carried home, and on the same day two funeral processions entered the graveyard at Springfield, where both had resided. The two enemies at the same hour were buried. Yet, though mourning families were there, past hatred seemed to be buried with those who had fallen; for the mourners were young and knew not yet the feel ings of hatred, which had so strongly influenced their parents.
 Two were there, who, unknown to those parents, had long cherished feelings most opposite to hatred.- One was William Harland and the other Flora Borland, the lovely daugh- ter of Col. Borland, who had just en- tered her eighteenth year. Her broth er-whose age was the same as that of William Harland-and the two younger sisters, were all the near re- latives left by her parents to follow to the grave, although he had by his will provided 8 guardian for those whom he knew his death would leave all too much unprotected.
 William and Flora, knowing the family feud, had concealed their love; yet, like Juliet and Romeo, had often met, and made their VOWS that Kit or kin should never tear their hearts as- under. And sad was this occaslon-- though they spoke not-yet their tear full eyes exchanged glances from which each read more than their lips could utter.
 A week passed by, and alone in his chamber William Harland opened the sealed package which his father had given him, and the instruction of which he had sworn to obey. Why did 1t fall from his grasp as if his hands were stricken with sudden palsy? Because it was written thus:
 Civilian, my boy, l am the third