Yorkville enquirer. [volume] (Yorkville, S.C.) 1855-2006, 1874-04-02
find nothing in my plan to which you could

"That is matter already decided" answer
ed Mcdonald )" ."you are the man who has
been wronged. Your grievance entities you
to the first shot,"
81 decline to accept such an advantage we
must let it be matter of chance" said Cad
bury.
"Well," replied Mcdonald, 81 can only
pass nv word to this effect-I aeiN not tire
first"
II want you to understand this much" said
Gadbury, "it is a la mort between us. If you
have the advantage over me; I advise you to
take it; for if have itover you, | shall not
even give you warning, but will take it in
stantly." .
AS he spoke, Gadbury produced cup and
dice and shaking them we'll, said: "Come, try
your luck"
Mcdonald took the leathern cup mechan-
ically.
"Six, five, ace-twelve," counted Gadbury,
with a face white as q dead mans.
give, three, Observation-Disclosures"
Again Mcdonald shook the dice, and rat
tied them out on the table.
give, four, three--twelve-thirty.t
counted Gadbury.
Then he seized the cup and tossed
Five, four, four-thirteen."
A red flush came to his cheek.
"Six, six, deuce-fourteen- :"
The last throw came.
"Ace, ace, ace-three-thirty.
Gadbury had lost.
The color faded again from his face, and he
carelessy said, as he restored cup and dice
to their places
"Luck is on your side; but bear in mind
this much, sir: if ohen I give the signal you
do not fire, or fire IN the an, shall take aim
at your heart. I seldom miss my shot,"
He then produced two pistols, and loaded
them both before McDonalds eyes. He then
handed one to him. II shall trust you with
yours trust me with mine"
"McDonald put it aside. Tomorrow will
be time enough to take it" said he.
Gadbury bowed, and put them out of sight,
and turned once more to his antagonist, say
ing gravely-
"Every thing is now arranged. And be-
fore we part I desire to ask you one question.
You will not refuse to answer it; you have
too much loyalty to refuse. Will you pass
your sacred word to me that whatever the re-
suit may be, you will guard this affair with
the utmost secresy?
"IfI live, will" answered Mcdonald in
solemn voice; "and now have question to
put to you. III fall, what are your intentions
regarding your wife?"
Gadbury regarded Mcdonald with fixed
and narrow stare.
"You have put question to me" said he'
"and by what light? If any, refuse to re-
cognize it. Your inquiry is msolent, there
fore, and refuse to answer it J"
"Perhaps have no right. If have, it is,
indeed, a strange one. To me, and to me
alone, is this woman indebted for the loss and
utter destruction of her happiness 1t is too
late now to dream of repairing the fault
have committed; but I do desre-indeed, l
must, as far as it lies in my power-extenuate
its effects. Therefore ask again, if l die to-
morrow by your hand, what will be her fate ?"
Gadbury's air was dark and mournful; but
he kept his eyes persistently fixed upon the
floor, and spoke not word.
Mcdonald betrayed deep emotion.
"Listen to me-" he said, appealingly; "that
woman is innocent, and pure as an angel
Why will you not believe me, when over and
again I have vehemently protested it? If,
tomorrow, you avenge the wrong that has
been done to you; if you wash out the stain
of shame with my blood, why will not that
expiation satisfy and suffice you? Have you
no mercy in your soul that you refuse to spare
her? Mark me, 1 do not crave forgiveness
for her at your hands: beseech pity for her
innocence Do not render her more unhap-
py treat her gently! She deserves all this"
Mcdonald stopped abruptly and dropped
his face in his hands His voice was utterly
chOkeu with emotion.
Gadbury looked like demon.
"she belongs to me-" he said, harshIy; 81
am her husband, and know exactly what |
have to do. recognize no right Of human
being to interfere between her and me-"
Il understand you exactly" replied Nc
Donald; "you intend to satisfy your cruel
thirst for vengeance on her as we'll as me.
You intend to make her die every day by
inches. You will not kill her at a blow.
Short shrift is not satisfying enough to your
heart"
Gadbury made no reply. He merely rose
from his chair and commenced putting out the
numerous light blazing about the room in
glittering chandeliers, in sign of dismissal,
and as if to put an end to the discussion.
Tomorrow, sir, we will meet again." he
said finally, after having extinguished all but
one light;"we will waive further conversation
tonight" He turned to Mcdonald, as he
spoke, with cold and ceremonious bow.
"Grant me yetanother moments audience"
said Mcdonald; "will you give me no assur-
ance regarding the fate of a woman my love
has destroyed?"
81 have no assurance to give you"
"Your answer is fnal?'
otis"
"Very we'll; so be it. | have ruined her
homes of happiness but I will protect her.