Yorkville enquirer. [volume] (Yorkville, S.C.) 1855-2006, 1874-04-09
An 0riginal Storg.
Written for the Yorkville Enquirer.
DESTINY;
OR,
HOTNDED DOWN.
Written for the Yorkville Enquirer.
BY NELLY MARSHALL McAFEE.
CHAPTER XIV.

It was eleven o'clock before the fishing
party was all arranged. The bright autumnal
sun was shining, gliding the whole landscape
with its glory, and warming the old gray
stone walls of the Bluffs with its rays.
Mr.. Gadbury had already wandered through
the grounds, smoking his cigar, and met two
neighbors, to whom he had sent an invitation
to ioin in the days sport. Indeed, the closest
observer would not have suspected the secret
thoughts and feelings of the mamie behaved
with such calmness and talked in such jesting
tones. 1t is true, his face was paler than
usual; but that could readily be ascribed to
two sleepless nights and days Of dissipation.
Mcdonald assumed a cold and collected
manner; but he was not so consummate an
actor as Gadbury. About his afectation of
gaietv there was continued restraint and
although his lips were wreathed in smiles, the
rest of his face was rigid and white, save his
brow, which was corrugated as with the
wrinkles of eighty years.
At last, every thing was in readiness. The
servants had been sent ahead with well-laden
hamper, and every implement appertainlng to
the days sport.
AS they crossed the grounds to the avenue,
Mcdonald slackened his pace and loitered
behind the rest, looking backward searchingly
at the window of Cecelia's chamber, to see if
he could catch glimpse of her. Suddenly,
pale face showed itself for an instant, framed
in the lace drapery. like the head of one of
Michael Angeles faces looking down from
heaven to earth. Gadbury loitered, also, un'
til Mcdonald joined him.
"You seem to forget that we have compan-
ions, and that your part must be we'll played" !"
Mcdonald bowed. "You are the coolest
man alive" he said; II envy you, but l can
not initiate you
"After the affair."" said Gadbury, "our &C
tions will be recalled, and if suspicious, they
will weigh against us. Come let US hurry up.
Our companions are ahead. Remember, the
honor of the woman you love is at stake. Our
prudence alone can save her"
The two men then walked quickly onward,
and Joined the other sportsmen with whom
they readily joined in light conversation
about the county crops and gossip, and do
mestic affairs, Mcdonald even complimenting
Gadbury on his wife's beauty and amiability,
and clubbing him the happiest husband in the
world.
All of these compliments Gadbury received
with good-humored and apparent sincerity.
Then one of the neighbors speculated to
another on the likelihood that Gadbury was
trying to catch "Damar" forhis sister; for Nc
Donald still passed under his assumed name
to everybody but Cecilia, Dalaval and Cad
bury.
as he rich ?" asked one, in low tone, to
the other.
81 suppose so-she is, you know" answered
the other; "all the Gadburys are"
And so these dupes walked along and chat
ted with two desperate men, who were armed
then with deadly weapons, ready to kill each
other.
The day wore on. The sport was only or
dinary, and everybody began to yawn and
wish for lunch time. At last, it came They
selected shaded spot, where the birds sang
overhead, and spread out the lunch. They
ate heartily and drank freely; and then their
potions becoming deep, they grew stupid or
crazed with excitement. Only Gadbury and
Mcdonald, with that other excitement in their
blood, retained their senses, while, to all ap,
pearances, they were the most intoxicated OF
the party.
Suddenly, the walters who had wandered
off little distance, set up wild shout
The two neighbors went to see what was the
matter, leaving Gadbury and Mcdonald en-
gagged in an apparently heated discussion.
The men quickly turned and called out-"A
body Ia body IA dead body!-a woman
her face half picked off by the crows"
At these words, Gadbury and Mcdonald
exchanged strange glance. Gadbury could
hardly maintain an erect position. His knees
tremblcd under him. He was nervous and
confused. While the servants were making
efforts to prepare litter to carry the dead
body to a shelter until a magistrate should be
summoned, and while the neighbors were dis
cussing the affair in deep excitement, Cad
bury and Mcdonald suddenly dropped their
subject of dispute and Gadbury said with
sombre gravity
"Now give me the lie. will return the
accusation, and as l say lie the second time
we will both fire.
"You lie!" thundered Mcdonald.
"You lier' reechoed Gadbury, drawing hls
pistol.
"One moment" said Mcdonald, hastily
"you remember my threat last night?
have fulfilled it. Dalaval has my deposition
he will put it in the magistrates hand at the
first sign of mistreatment. In the face o.
death, swear to you she is innocent; | swear
itw
"You shall pay for this in your blood
You are a scouudrel! You are poltroon =
Mcdonald stood erect and fixed his eyes or
Gadbury.
"And you He"
This was the signal. Mcdonald had also
drawn his pistol but power had left him; he
could not raise his arm.
Gadbury firmly lifted his pistol, and FREQ
three times without effect.
The neighbors looked on, horror stricken
No man daled interfere.
Then Mcdonald lifted his pistol and fired
while Gadbury's hand was on the trigger t'