The democrat. [volume] (Weston, W. Va.) 1868-1874, 1873-06-23

warm, Edgar Bishop spoke. He trust
I'd his friend would have the manlinesl
To withdraw ut once, and not put then
to the disagrecable necessity OF expell'
ing him. :
This fired Fernleigh to the highest
pitch OF endurance. He felt rs Bishop
did not feel. He had seen the letter
which Bishop had written, and he had
been growing more and more angry
ever since, II is penalty OF nature
TINT the warmer and closer the friend
ship, tho more bitter becomes tho break
ing. We will bear from the compara
tive stranger what we cannot bear from
those we love. The sundering of th,
Iove.bound ties gives pain, and pair
topples the reason.
Fernleigh retorted upon Bishop will
hot words, and Bishop replied in kind
Bishop Ind been to st. Louis, and had
been drinking freely with his legal as
'ociates of the thronging city. Fern,
leigh Ind been left alone in his home
for n week, and he, too, had been drink,
ing more than usual. So, on this even
ing, both men had resorted to the de-
canter oftener than they might other,
wise have done, and Edgar Bishop had
been drinking most.
Word followed word, high.keyed and
severe. The men came nigh together
md Fernleigh hissed ont mad impre.
cation, and called the other coward
In his blind rage Bishop struck the
merchant in the iace, and dared him tC
resent it.
Az this point friends interfered, and
Bishop was drawn back into the seat
while Fernleigh turned and left the
place.
onthe followingmorningL Lucius Fern
leigh received another telegram. His
wife bade him not to be uneasy. Sht
was safe and well, but she had stopped
TO caro- for poor woman who had beer
badly hurt, and who had no other help,
er. Fernleigh was glad Of this, for ht
had business on his hands which he
would rather finish before his wife re-
turned. dc had resolved TINT he must
lemanl OF Edgar Bishop such satisfac-
tion rs was due for the blow which had
been given. He knew that most oil
those who had witnessed the affair ex.
pestcd this kind OF settlement. The
lffray had already become known on
the street. Leaders OF the new political
party were interested. They regarded
Fernleigh rs their captain, and his dis.
grace would be their disgrace. Major
Lotus, man well versed in such mat
ters, offered his services, which were
accepted.
"0f course" said he, tive know that
Bishop will not offer IN apology. Not
only is lie chivalrous and high-spirited,
but his party will not sec him back
down."
81 do not expect him to apologize, u
returned Fernleigh, "for though he
struck the blow, yet had taunted him
beyond measure. / observe that he is
lame aud bruised. He may claim what
privilege he pleascs on TINT score"
Tho major departed on his mission,
md Bishop received him rs ono whO
had been expected, and referred him ia
a mutual friend who had authority to
make all necessary arrangements.
"But," suggested the major, "Mr.
Fernleigh is aware that you nre lame in
limb. He would have you demand such
concession on that account as you deem
Just and proper"
"0nly my left arm is injured" said
Bishop, with smile. "rhe smaller
bone Is broken-that is all. We shall
ight with pistols, SO it doesn't mat
ter"
Arrangements were made without de.
lay, and it was decided that the duel
should be fought ut sunset Of that very
lay, in the valley beyond the town, to.
ward the mountains.
During tho afternoon Edgar Bishop
was in his office busily engaged in ar-
ranging his business. He was sober
and pale. A thoughtful, fair-minded
friend called upon him, and sought To
lissnade him from tho unholy work he
had in hand. But the lawyer would not
listen. He was sincerely sorry for what
had happened, but it could not now be
helped. -, .. .,
and will you be so foolish as to appeal
to such fatal arbitrament for what bran
dy did?"
of the head tive cannot 10y tllst fat
tering JUNCTION to our souls. The man
who toys with edged tools must not
blame them when they cut him. What
ever influence liquor may have had in
this business, I nm wholly responsible
Tor my share in it. I drank the brandy
Of my own free will, and must abide the
consequences. / am busy, and would
be Alone"
This same friend next called upon
Lucius Fernleigh, whom he found alone
in his counting.room, and to whom he
spoke rs he had spoken to Bishop.
Tho merchant shook his head sad
", but decisively. With n beseeching
melton Of the hand he said,--
at Is too late. No power on earth
can possibly avert the met ting. We
must fight Every principle Of honor
demands it."
"And in your heart You desire to fight
this duel with the man who has been
your friend 2"
"1n my heartP-Nol 1 don't look
down into my heart. We shut the heart
up OIL such occasions. The affairs Of
this busy world won't let the heart speak
always. cannot be called coward.
I cannot live, and have the finger OF
scorn pointed at me by those whom l
have proiessed to lead in political mat.
ters. As you see, sir, / am busy. l
have no time TO waste"
An hour later Lucius FernlCigh went
To his home. It lacked an hour OF sun
down. He thought that in the solitude
- Iii. t,o,,., 1,a ,t,n,,I1 vritn n letter tO