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


pillow until near morning, then rose, dressed
himself silently and went out, leaving in his
room the following note:
"DEAR MADAME:-I am called out on
important business. If return to-day, will
probably be back before ten o'clock.
"In haste, afsctionately Ivy yours,
It was clear, quiet morning, with breath
of approaching autumn in the crisp air. The
great city was already astir, although it was
barely dawn when Wilfred, entering car
riage, desired himself to be driven to GER
tain ferry, which it would be necessary for
him to cross to reach the appointed place Of
meeting.
Suddenly, Wilfred remembered, as he drove
along, that he had provided himself with no
second. This point, although suggested to
him by Ralph Barstow's friend, had after
wards escaped his mind. He felt the omis'
sion to be a serious one. He ought certainly
to have some one near to see that everything
was fairly done, and also to take charge OF
him in case of his being hurt After little
hurried reflection, he changed the direction
he had given the driver, and ordered him to
proceed first to house in another part of the
city instead. Here lived young bachelor,
law.student like himself, with whom he was
on friendly terms. He found him at home,
but still in bed, and fast asleep. On being
aroused, he was much surprised at seeing a
visitor at that unusual hour.
"Get up, Grofton, and dress quickly" said
the latter. 81 want you to come with me, to
attend to matter of importance; I will ex-
plain to you as we 60 along. Excessive
mystery" exclaimed Crofton; "nothing is
wrong, I hope?"
Wilfred would tell him nothing until they
were in the carriage. Then, as briefly as
possible, he gave him the particulars of the
situation. 1T is objectionable of me to
have taken you thus by surprise" he added
apologetically, "but 1 absolutely forgot about
arranging this part of the business until five
minutes before sought you out; and could
think of no friend, whose kind Offices l could
venture so unceremoniously to ask for, except
yourself"
"You are heartily welcome to them," was
the reply, "but I wish you had called on
me to stand by you in less disagreeable af'
fair. What will Miss Courtaine say"
"Hush-not word of her, beg" replied
Wilfred, in a tone which showed that he
could not bear to dwell upon her image at
at such a time. Their drive was accomplish
ed in silence They left the carriage, after
crossing the ferry, standing in a convenient
place, and walked the rest of the way, which
was but short distance. On reaching the
field they found the other parties already
there A formal greeting was exchanged.
Mr.. Bolton, pulling out his watch, remarked
that it wanted exactly minute and half to
the hour agreed upon.
81 am more punctual, then, than I expected
to be- said Wilfred, "having been delayed
on my way here"
"Oh yes, there's plenty of time-plenty of
time," said Bolton nervously. "1n fact, |
think my watch is little fast"
"On the contrary" calmly rejoined Will
fred, looking at his own, 81 find it agrees
perfectly with mine, which is regulated by
the city time"
Ralph made no remark. He leaned, with
dark and fixed countenance, against tree,
and noticed nobody. Wilfred drew his Sec
ond aside. "Crofton," he whispered, 81 for
got to tell you that in my breast-pocket are
two letters, and another triae or two, which I
commit to your charge, in case"
eyes, yes," hastily interrupted Crofton,
that's all right. I'll see to everything, never
fear"
The time was soon up. The usual prelimi.
nares were arranged, and the two Barstows
took their stand face to face. At that mo-
ment the resemblance between them was
startling. 1t must have struck any beholder,
who was not too much excited to take in any
but the more important features of the scene.
Everything, believe, is ready" an
nouuced Wilfred's second. In another in
slant the word of command would have been
given-the weapons were raised in readi-
ness-when suddenly cry rent the quiet air
and Ralphs mother, white, painting, breath
less, rushed upon the scene and seized her
sons extended arm.
"Rash boy" she cried, in piercing tones,
"would you shed your brothers. blood ?"
Ralph turned and looked down upon her.
Amusement, for an instant, struck him dumb.
"Mother!" he exclaimed, when he could
find his voice, "What folly is this? What
do you mean?"
81 speak Gods TRUTH" she answered, "and
l thank Him that l am come in season to
prevent this most unholy deed. Don't remain
here another instant. Come home with me
and I will explain it ALL"
CHAPTER XVI.