The true northerner. [volume] (Paw Paw, Mich.) 1855-1920, 1858-10-15


endeavored to change the subject of con
versation. Yet knew that my friend de
sired that | should propose him for mem
oership. Knowing, as | did, the secret
l may say the fearful secret, of the Order
and having on the other hand, apprehen-
slons tor the nerve and courage (I say APP
prehenS'ons, though am not aware that
| had any cause for them of my young
friend, felt that it would be next to i'm.
possible for me to propose his member
ship. For this reason it was that | sought
to avoid any conference on the subject.
At last ] perceived the blood rush to
his face, and he spoke, not without some
show of displeasure and warmth;
" So you think, then, that | am not
enough of gentleman to become mem
Der of the club, eh 2"
No, James, You do me wrong" I re-
piled, "That thought had never entered
my head. | certainly should be most
happy to propose your membership, if you
desire it. | had supposed your seeming
earnestness in the matter to be oply a
joke. l had not the remotest idea that
you really wanted to join the 'Hindoos. -
But, as you say, | did not think it best
to solicit you to join, for | thought you
knew your own business best. We are
to have business meeting to-morrow;eve-
ming, and can then propose you, if it is
your desire
He said it was and thanked me for the
promise Soon afterwards we parted for
the evening. but both under the influence
of a very different feeling; and on the
evening following | attended the meeting
of the Lodge, and a reluctance to propose
my friend again started up in my mind
But | had given him my promise, and, in
justice to him, as well as to myself j re-
solved to fulfill it,
When the motion for applicants was ia
order, | arose, and in few words, having
requested the attention of the President
and gentlemen, handed in the name of
my applicant
The preliminary measures were then
Immediately taken. Firstly, call by the
President upon all the members present,
who were acquainted with the applicant
10 rise. Six gentlemen arose \ COM
mltteo of FIVE was then appointed to inves-
tigate the character Of the proposed which
eemmit'ee- having retired into5an ad;nin-
ing room, accompanied by those who had
their acquaintance with the party
proposed, remained in session for about
fifteen minutes. The result waq that n
highly favorable report was submitted,
through the President, to tho Lodge, and
a night one week distant, was appointed
wherein to act upon tie admission CT my
friend.
The cyeLing at length came, and vas to
me most evcntful one. When we arrlv-
ed there were about fifty members pres
cnt As we entered, the members in ac.
cordance with the usual custom, all arose,
and James advanced to the middle Of the
apartment, when he bowed with vivid
grace, to the President and gcntlemen.-
| then conducted him to table where
the applicants were always seated, and was
called to the Presidents side. Here
in conversation som, ten min
utes, when | heard the exclamation:
"You are foul liar ~
! turned to see from what quarter the
epithct proceeded, when | perceived
James on his feet His cheeks were
flushed, and his eyes darted looks of fury
at the individual on the opposite side of
the table-a moustached young gentle
man, who upon hearing the compliment
paid to him, arose.
What is the matter? ?" said hasten
ing to my friends side.
Matter enough" was the reply
q The coward has traduced your sister"
4" only stated what had heard" half
replied the offending party.
4" But you said you could prove il"
" Well, sir, youngster, | can prove l.. "
Order, order p proceeded from the
Presidents chair, aud was echoed all over
the room.
James Immediately threw his card upon
the table, and his opponent appealed to
the President for instant satisfaction,
while James appealed to the President to
grant it.
The President, however declined per-
sonal decision in regard to the matter,
aud the question was put to the club
The vote resulted in two-third majority
in favor of the proceedings, and the re-
quest of the parties was granted.
"Who is the party challenging" de
manded the president.
81 am, your highness," responded
James.
"Then the advantages are against you,
Is your opponent has the choice of weap-
Jns.'
That the contest may be carried on in
fair manner, | shall give the boy the
benefit of PISTOLS, said the challenging
party.
"The gentleman will undoubtedly ap
preclate your generosity" replied the
president
Especially as Green is dead shot," was
around the room, in voice
I'D e