The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1833-1916, 1862-06-02
CHAPTER VIII.


The Cooucl threw up threw up hi, arms as n
signal for llalcom to stop. The violence of his
emotions prevented him from speaking. The
excitement AMI fatigue he had undergone, the
suddenness and unexpectedness Of the meeting,
and the peculiar circumstances under which they
mot, all conspired for the moment, to rer<d1D him
spccchlcss. The face oi the SLAYER wore its usual
complacent but repulsive expression. At short
distance behinl him followed his found. When
he had advanced close to the Colouel, he paused
and looked upon him with an unconcerned stare
" All, is 1t possible that have the pleasure of
seeing cousin Moreland 7" he finally asked.
" The Colonel broke out into the most violent
reproachcs aud menaces. lie not only command
ell lialcom to give up his daughter, but charged
him with numbering his son. and recalled tbo
awful name he had always borne--inaly paus-
ing from sheer exhaustion. lIalcom then bland
~ observed
" Really, cousin, you seem to DO little dis
turhcd In your mind. What can be the matter2r
This cool insocnce caused caused another out
burst from the Colonel. The SLAYER listened,
with his peculiar Ilacidity, until the accuser
again paused through the very excess of his
th"uon', when he resumed
Tut, tut, Colonel. Don't make yourself an.
pear ridiculous. What IL some one should SEQ
you dancing around in this manneri Perhaps
you nave fever Or some other desease which
PRODUCES a dolirium Really, an Observer
would think You were engaged in Fetish dance.
Have some regard for the little ropricties of life,
COUSIN, or some housing li,ial may seize YOU
Is unatic, aud put sudden period to yovfca-
pcrs :"
Ny daughter villain !" shrickcd the Colo
mel. Ny poor chilli What have you done
with her = Restore her to me this minute !"
WET too declare said lIlldom, as bis
HARP eye noticed the s,itlcncl pantaoons of tho
'oonrl " Been trying to commit suicide, or
i'li'n into the rvcrf Really, this must he look
ct after. Let mo feel your pulse Z"
Goalcd almost to maducss by these worl. the
Colonel drew pistol from his hosol and aimed
1t at iillcom'- head, cxcaimng:
" say another word, aud III fire {"
The LAYER laughed quietly, and patted the
head Of his dog. lie looked at the shipping In
the stream and cast his eyes upwards at tho
reayehs, as if making Representation Of tho
weather. lie permitted the Colonel to hold tho
pistol to his heal as long Ms he could maintain
his hand and arm in that position. When tho
arm fell TO his side, the SLAYER turned to tie Col
onel. remtrking: -
"Shoulin't wonder it we have a storm, cousE.'
before morning. Reckon III attend to little
business have on hand. Good light"
The Colonel placed himself in Halcom's path,
and again raised his pistol, as he cried
Stop, or III fire -
The SLAYER halted, with anothev hooking
laugh, and again patted hisApss lie waited un-
I'll the EXTENDED arm had again fallen through
sheer exhaustion.
I'm touched by your many infrmities, cou-
SIM Ilalcom then said, "and would fain be gem
tie with you. Any more orders"
Tell me where my daughter is, or your
blood be upon your own head - exclaimed tho
Colonel and he again raised the pistol.
Sorry, cousin, that your mind takes such a
turn. What can do for you3 Better put
that thing in your pocket. 1t tries you to hold
it in that position. Besides, MS you are n little
nervous, it might so of by some accident, and
thus prevent me from ever q. ing you the In
formation YOU desire. Consult your own pleas
urc, however. You can hold it at my head all
lay ii you derive any benefit from the perform
aucc."
The Colonel groanci as he returned the
weapon to the breast Of his cart. H. could only
moan:
oh, my poor child ficnd fcnd e.
Pardon me, cousin, for suggesting said
llalcom, " that this interview will be very un-
satisfactory to you, If you are intending to
launch at me yolley of threats and denuncia-
tons. care no more for psto. in your hands
than do for a rush. You merely waste your
breath when you rave at me IN this man
uer. If You have any business with
me- he added, pointelly, "and can deport
yourself as u gentleman should, I'm ready to
hear and answer you. Otherwise, you cannot
leave me a moment too fooL y
The Colonel again molncl, feeling assured
from IIalcom', manner that Coral was in his
power. lie onlcavoied to think Of some course
Of action that would harmonise with the peculiar
nature Of his companion. lilo realized that
threats wore Of no account whatever, and feared
that no amount of cunning and finesse could
blind on overreach a man so practical in oil
,vickedness. and so clear-headed and intelli-
cont Only one course was left him. He must
ind out Halcom's grievances, appeal to his in
t,rosts, md 'endeavor to gain by entreaty what
here was no possibility q acqurng by force.
Tote Continued.