Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1873-01-24

ter man than he for such meeting Hon
ore de Cabanel, chef d'escadron of the Afri-
can Chasseurs, n man who had been st. Ar
naud's right hand through all the Kabyle
war.
- Time flies, NJ. Acton said he we
wait YOUR leisure
- NJ. &c Cabanel." replied Arthur, -
am sorry that | am the cause of the delay,
however unwlllingly But Sir Pierce Gov
erdale, who was to be my second, has not
yet made his appearance.
g No one is better acqr "inted with the code
Of the duello than sir oyerdale, or more
capable of conducting il n the most perfect
manner - said Cabanel. with bow.
% Something must have retarded him; he
must be i'll.
g certainly cannot understand his alb
sence. muttered Arthur, looking into the
far distance.
VIII not Monsieur Acton's other friend
act for him." asked Cabanel. motioning to-
wards gentleman standing near.
Ny other friend is a surgeon ofthe Aus
trian army, Monsieur Eugene Blake
thoaght it necessary to have a surgeon on
the ground, and gentlemen in that capacity
cannot, believe, act as seconds
- Certainly not, said Monsieur Cabanel.
- Wonld Monsieur Acton accept the service
Of one of my party? Signor Lopez Guerra
bella, a Spanish gentleman from Cadiz, an
officer in the Queens Guard, accompanies US
to tire ground, and would, am sure, act for
Monsieur Acton" rs he spoke he indica-
ted a Sim Young man wearing Spanish
cloak and a heavy slouch hat, who was stand
ing by in conversation with Diego. There
were no signs Of Coyerdale's advent Acton
bowed. and after word with Blake, notified
his acceptance Of Cabanel's offer Then he
and Cabanel proceeded to step the ground.
On their return Cabanel said, -
- 1t Is agreed, believe. messieurS. that
the combat shall be Ia bdrriere; that is to
say. my friend and have measured twenty
four PAGES, at either end of which we will
place our men. At twelve yards. the half
distance, | have dropped a handkerchief as a
mark. Signor Guerrabella and | will toss
for first fire. Whichever principal, through
his second. wins. has the right either to fire
from his place, or, walking up to the mark,
to call on his adversary to advance, even up
to the mark itself if he chooses, and Lthen-
act as he wishes Gentlemen. this is un-
derstoOdt'
Both principal, bowed
Now. Signor Guerrabella, the toss IIa
you have won NJ. Acton. the fire Is with
you go
Is he spoke, Arthur Acton turned side
ways towards his opponent, covering him
fairly and fully with his pistol Then sud
denly finging up his arm, he fired into the
air \ short growl issued from Blakes lips
growl in which a near bystander might
have distinguished the words " He ought to
have winged him ="
" 1t isyour shot, sir 80 said Arthur, wheel
ing rounda1d confronting his adversary.
Il intend to take it - said Diego. calmly.
as he walked towards the handkerchief.
=. And call on YOU. NJ. Acton, in pursu-
ance of the terms. 10 advance to this mark l'
&c In the name of Heaven, stop this l''
/ shricked Eugene Blake. as, in obedience 10
the summons. Arthur slowly advanced
' This Is sheer murder Sir. ! call on Won,
turning to Guerabela. call on YOU to
/ forbid this '"
." 1t is impossible To break the rule laid
/ down '' said Guermbelia, speaking for the
first time in strange. mullled voice. '- un-
| less. indeed. NJ. rAnglais is afraid"
1hi~ one sentence was enough. Blake
was silent. hut remained horror stricken and
/ intent ON the ~cue while Arthur Acton
with rallid face. stepped straight up TO the
/ handkerchief. on the other side Of which
/ Diego was waiting \ dead. still. horrible
/ calm reisned around. 1t was broken by
[ Diego. who said. '- VI Acton, you deceived
"a Gonialon Your blood be on Your OWE
/ head The next instant the sound Of a