Rutland weekly herald. [volume] (Rutland, Vt.) 1859-1877, 1872-07-25
The story Of a Terrible Duel.

The story Of "a Terrible Duel.
The Yosemite Falls, of California. are
no doubt the highest in America. The
water makes three distinct leaps from
the summit Of the ledge before reaching
the bed OF the stream below. Not far
from the head of these falls, and nearly
concealed from the view of any passer-
by, on account of the thick trees which
grew around it, stood a cabin of logs, at
the time of which we write, ten years
since.
It was early one cold Winters NOM
ing that the master Of this cabin. in com
pany with his dog, We're returning from
hunt They had been absent during
the entire night, and now, just as day
light was dawning, they were approach
ing a home where they felt sure of a
hearty welcome. The man, rs lie broke
through the thicket in view Of his cabin,
paused, and gazed attentiyely upon it for
moment. Then he threw the buck,
which he carried upon his shoulder, up
on the snow, and shaking his head, he
muttered:
Il don't know that anything is wrong
here, but don't feel just right"
At the same moment the dog ran to-
to his master, uttered q low grOwl. The
man appeared very uneasy, but he hast
ened forward toward the cabin door
Before he had reached it a woman APP
pcared. 1t was plain to see that she had
been weeping, and she was very pale,
and greatly agitated.
My God, Nancy, what has hap
pened?" he inquired, almost breath
lessly.
',Be-calm, MarE-pray be calm" was
the trembling response.
''But tell me-what has happened"
The question was scarcely asked be-
a second face appeared at the cabin door.
The instant Mark saw this he staggered
back and gasped:
1.-THE dead returned to life"
'Aye, Mark Webb, the dead has re-
turned to life. But come in; wish to
talk with you"
Webb, finding that he had merely
flesh and blood to deal with, entered the
cabin, and throwing himself upon a seat,
eyed the intruder for some moments
without speaking. Then he asked:
''Philip Dark, how did you find me out,
and what do you want here ?"
1--WE been searching for you, Mark
Webb, for five years. You thought me
dead. But you see that you were mis-
taken. And do you ask why I sought
you"
Eyes, 1 did ask it.
''It was to learn if the woman who
calls you husband sustains you in your
villainies; and if she did not, or was
ignorant of them, to let her know the
truth. /"
''Be careful what you say, Philip
Dark, " exclaimed Mark, half raising his
rifle
The other observed this, and said,
MARK, | should be sorry to do you
harm; but know you. In your pres
ence | shall relate all to Nancy-I will
not call her your wife, for she is equally
mine-and she shall decide between us.
Eyes, but your acts have rendered
that decision void; they have rendered a
second decision necessary. Now, Mark,
heed well what | say. AS at first, so
viii | abide by Nancy's decision now
But | must tell her all, and if [ see you
| attempt to place your hand upon that
rifle, in self-defense III send bullet
through your head the instant you do
So"
go on with your questions and your
lies"
Nancy" said Dick, fixing his eyes
upon her, ''what reason did Mark give
for bringing you to this part Of the
country 2"
''Oh, Philip, you know that when
made my decision five years ago, told
you that you possessed my love, but that
Mark had the claim of duty from me. "
II remember well, and | resigned you
so that your duty might be performed. "
ssYou did +"
ssWeii. answer my question"
Mark told me that he wished to be
far away from You because you pos
sessed my love, And so j came here