Clarksville chronicle. (Clarksville, Tenn.) 1857-1865, 1861-11-22

river and challenge from him was con
sidered the sure precursor of death. But
notwithstanding this, it was generally
known that he had made advances to win
the favor of the lovely Emile, and that he
had shared the fate of all others-a re-
spectful but none the less decided repulse
On the night in question, at the zine VIC
chosen to gaze upon her. she was, as VIC
have just said, alone, and evidently think.
ing of the past
| At length her thoughts seemed to take
shape, for she murmured in musing tone
"Alone, alone, upon a wide sea, without
your friendly arm, dear John, to protect
me, if you only knew the trials that beset
my pathway But will not complain, for
you are struggling with the cold world,
and aspiring to position and name
How long, OIL how long will it be ere we
shall meet, and our hands be, as our hearts
already are, united foreverH
For moment she relapsed again into
silence, and then continued:
'It may be that / do wrong to harbor
for a moment these fears which seem to
have taken possession of me, in relation to
Ralph Ruritai, but there is menace in
his tone, threat in his gestures, as well as
in his words, which bids me beware Of him.
He is bold, bad man, and undoubtedly
would not scruple at almost any deed OF
villaiuy, but yet. bad as he is, hardly
think he would, in any case, dare to at
tempt coercion"
"Aye, but he dare!"
The maiden turned pale at this startling
interruption, and springing to her feet
while the hue on her cheek rapidly assum-
ed an indignant carnation at the intrusion
upon her privacy-sho confronted the
speaker. 1t was Ralph Ruritan, who stood
before her with cool, calculating smile
upon his features.
"Well met, fair Emile" he exclaimed,
approaching and attempting to take her
hand.
"Stand off, sir. By what right do you
intrude your unwelcome presence here p
Begone, sir, or you may fnd>that am not
so helpless as you might think"
"By heavens! it's pity you are not an
actress; your tragic airs would not then be
wasted. As it is now, they only heighten
your beauty. You are like the ocean
| DSdubliul at All CNCu al Ndilu uul
glorious, aye, magnificent, in a storm =
But you are standing-allow me to con-
duct you to a seat, and seizing her hand
he attempted TO draw her towards the sofa
"Unhand me, villain!" exclaimed the
maiden, struggling to free herself from his
grasp. "Nay thou shalt find me no easy
prey" And with the words she gave him
severe blow in the face with her hand
which caused him to release his hold. Al
the same moment loaded revolver fell
from his side pocket to the floor. To
catch it up, retreat step and present it to.
wards him, were but the work Of mo.
ment.
"Now, sir, one movement, one step in
this direction, and you die'' and look Of
resolute determination mantled her fea.
lures as she spoke.
For a moment the reckless man quaied
before that frowning weapon and the firm
resolution of the one who held it, but for
a moment only and, rushing forward, be
exclaimed
"Ralph Ruritah foiled by a wornsrl No
nor by the fends of hell %
There were two quick, loud reports, fol-
lowed by a scream of mortal agony, and {
heavy fall, and, as the alarmed passers by
burst into the bolted door, scene of hor.
ror was presented.
There stood the beautiful milliner in the
centre of the room, in her hand a revolver
from the muzzle of which the smoke was
still curling upward. Her features were
pale, but her lips were parted with fear
less smile, while at her feet, weltering il
his warm blood, lay the duelist, Ralph Ru
ritan, with the impress of death upon hi
ghastly eountenance
"In the name of God, who did this?'
exclaimed the appalled, spectators.
"Need you ask? did it to save my
honor was the reply of the beautiful mil
liner.