Yorkville enquirer. [volume] (Yorkville, S.C.) 1855-2006, 1879-04-17

blood in his veins but his thoughC naturaiiy
flew to Daisy, and to what her sensations
would be concerning the affair, particularly,
should the consequences, as regarded himself
be fatal. That there was chance of this,
he of course knew. He would not, however,
allow himself to dwell upon unpleasant posi-
bilties, knowing that the more cool and tran
ouil he kept, the more creditably he would be
able to come out of the affair. He had no
doubt but that Ralph would send him
challenge. His anticipations proved correct
In less than an hour, he was waited upon by
Mr.. Sam Bolton, the young man whom he had
seen in Ralph's company, and who proved
to be the bearer of the expected message
viz an invitation to meet the sender of it at
certain spot, some miles beyond the city
limits with pistols, at sunrise on the follow
ing morning. .--.. ...
81 am not very familiar with the use of
pistols" remarked Wilfred, "having rather
been educated to the use of the sword. How
ever, am willing to comply with the terms OF
the challenge."
81 don't know but what my principal
would just as lief try swords" suggested Mr.
Bolton, who now seemed rather perturbed at
the turn affairs had taken. "I'll propose it to
him, if you like. Of course, I'm bound to
see fair play, and you know you're the chal-
lenged party"
Gas you like" said Wilfred. 81 am not
anxious to ask any concessions from him; but
you can make what arrangement you judge
proper"
"May ask, sir, who is acting for you in
this case % asked Bolton.
"No one,' replied Wilfred. ri do not
choose to involve any of my friends in the
affair"
"But that won't do, you know" exclaimed
Bolton. It'll be only right and proper that
you should have second !; it is an imperative
necessity, in fact"
"Well-I shall see about that" replied
Wilfred. "At any rate, 1 feel quite compe-
tent to make the necessary arrangements for
myself"
Every we'll. Then I'll just run back to
Barstow and settle the pistol question at
once"
He departed in haste; but presently re.
turned, looking more perturbed than before
81 am sorry to say, sir, that Mr.. BarstoW
objects to any change ofweapon," he announ-
ced. "He considers pistols the only bit wea-
pom to be used by gentlemen"
every WE'LL" said Wilfred, coolly. Il
shall oblige him in every particular, particu-
larly as he seems so tenacious in regard to all
forms and usages employed by gentlemen"
You will, if you please, be the bearer of my
answer"
81 am sorry," said Bolton, lingering, ''that
this-a-unpleasant dispute can't be more
amicably arranged. Bloodshed is-a-such
deuced disagreeable alternative"
ut is not pleasant alternative" said Will
fred, sternly, "but your principal has seen tit
10 adopt no other. I am not in favor OF
duelling, and certainly have not sought this
issue; but an insult was offered me which l
was bound to resent as did, and the conse-
ouences must be on Mr.. Barstow's own head"
81 was not authorized to make any propo-
sition in the NATTER" hesitated the unwilling
second, "but-but-if an apology"
can apology from him, do you mean"
Why-no I meant from you-for giving
that blow, you know"
"Be assured" said Wilfred, with flashing
eyes, "that no apology shall be offered by me-
1t is exceedingly doubtful whether could be
prevailed upon to accept one from him, un-
less of the most complete and satisfactory
sort-such one as 1 myself would dictate"
"That I'm sure he would never agree to-"
said Bolton.
"Then there is nothing more to be said
about it," said Wilfred, holding the door
open. II have the honor to wish you good
afternoon"
Upon this hint Mr.. Bolton withdrew; and
Wilfred was once more left alone, to medl-
tate upon the affray in which, without any
generalization of his own, he had become in
volved. He was at a loss to account for the
motives which could have prompted Ralph to
provoke the quarrel, for he was unaware OF
his secret enmity, and of the rivalship between
them. He busted himself during the remain
der of the afternoon with writing two letters;
one to Daisy, and the other to Madame d'Ar-
cy. The former was brief, though very ten
der He could not bear to dwell upon the
farewell words he wrote, and more than once
his eyes filled and his throat swelled, as ne
pictured her to himself, as she would be when
reading them. To Madame Arcy he wrote
at more length, as there were some business
matters he had to arrange with her, and it
was quite late when, having finished his cor
respondence, he shut up the office and turned
his steps homeward.
Madame darcy, in her excitement and pre-
occupation of mind, consequent upon her ad-
venture of the morning, did not notice that
her adopted son was unusually silent and pale.
And he, for his part, was sufficiently engrossed
with his own unpleasant reflections not to OBJ
serve that her manner was different from what
it ordinarily was. On bidding her good, ight,
a natural impulse prompted him to embrace
her. He reflected that perhaps they might
now be parting for the last time. She looked
at him with a startled, anxious expression.
1t occurred to her to wonder if he could, in
any way, have become cognizant of what was
passing in her thoughts. She had, in fact,