The Indiana State sentinel. [volume] (Indianapolis) 1868-1895, 1882-04-12

made practice with his case of Milansss
rapiers.
For rapiers were the weapons he ha6
chosen, in the use of which few were more
expert.
He had. when in Italy, taken course of
fencing lessons from the best sword master
in Florence, and felt himself able to meet
anyone at the art
Tom, he knew, did not know anything
about fencing. and this knowledge gave him
wonderful assurance and courage.
81 will show him." he muttered, eff he
did beat me in the boat-race, there is game
be can not beat me at. and the laws are such
that if | kill him in a contest of honor, such
as this will be. il will not be murder. All,
Tom Hathaway, you shall rue the day you
ever crossed Hartley Barndon."
The whole village knew that Brandon and
Hathaway were TO fight duel, but where or
when it was to transpire was known only to
the seconds
Edward Sinclair was Toms second, and
Brandon had secured as his one Howard
Benson, genteel rufian, and man whom
the bankers son knew. He could rely upon
him in any case of villainy.
The day finally arrived or rather the even
ing, for il was decided to fight by moonlight,
and from the ''Globe," fashionable club
house on Fairview's principal street, there
drove away, early in the evening" close
carriage, in which were seated two men,
Brandon and his second.
The place appointed for the meeting was
in little forest glade, two miles from the
town. and when Brandon arrived there he
found his adversary awaiting him.
Throwing aside his heavy cloak, Bran
don advanced into the clearing, rapier in
hand.
In its center stood tall, dark-clad person,
with siouch-brim hat, and also holding in
his right hand long, keen-pointed sword.
1t was Tom Hathaway-dare-devil Tom,
who a month ago would have enjoyed the
situation for its very daredevil nature,
but who was low strangely pale and iii at
ease.
most insolent tone. 'Indeed, it gives me
pleasure to meet YOU"
For moment Tom did not speak; then, in
a husky voice. he exclaimed:
This is you, Hartley BrandOn!'
That is my name"
"You are here TO meet me IN mortal COM
bait"
Eyes"
"In accordance with an agreement made
between US two"
Certainly" said Brandon, in surprise.
Hartley Brandon, have you considered
the step we are about to take, both of usP'
What do you meant"
This: Have you considered the fearfully
fatal consequences this deadly encounter
over an exceedingly trivial cause might en-
gender?'
II have considered nothing pauper.
have come here this evening to fight you, as
agreed. No further parley. Are you ready?
If so, stand upon your guard"
Hold Hartley BTandOn" and there was
tone of command in Toms ringing voice
which checked the other in spite of himself.
Stop where you are; you have no right to
begin this contest until am ready. | would
speak a few words with you ere we cross
weapons"
Speak them," grunted Brandon.
IL have considered the consequences of
this duel, Hartley Brandon, if you have not.
One of US must die, and the other be ban
ished from home for many years, or stand
before tribunal of justice and receive pun
ishment And for what? A few hasty words,
a few angry feelings"
"Well?''
''Shall we allow such a trivial dispute to
perhaps take our lives, and il not, forever
blast our after careers?"
Brandon, mystifed. did not reply.
81, for one, say no" said Tom, in firm
voice. The cause was nothing l, for one
candidly speaking, am sorry for my part in
IL, and offer full apology. Let us, then,
Join hands, put away our weapons, and if
we can not be friends in the future, at least
feel assured that all past grievances are set
tied"
Brandon was completely taken aback
Was this daredevil Tom Hathaway? He
could not understand it.
Why did he not want to fight? Was he
afraid of defeat? This was the way the
thing looked, out Hartley Brandon, from
old acquaintance, knew that it was not the
truth.
What, then. did it mean? All, with the
shrewdness of the born villain he guesses at
once the truth. Tom was not actuated by
motives of fear. but dread of disgrace, not
only in the eyes of the world, but pretty
Minnie Stockwell, as we'll. This realization
sent keen pang of jealousy and rage
through the soul of the villain, and nerved
him to desperation. He would never throw
aside his coveted revenge which he had so
long waited for, now for few scruples of
conscience.
No. Tom Hathaway should fight him,
and he would teach him a lesson which
would serve to warn him in the future from
crossing Hartley Brandon
Tom Hathaway" he said, in a sneering,
insolent tone, 1.-THE consequences of this
question of honor no gentleman would
pause to consider; and this is a late hour to
back out. II you were afraid to fight you
is, put you upon your honor to meet me-"
You will not accept my apology2"
81 accept no apology except at the point
of my sword"
81 can not fight you, Hartley Brandon. 1
have sworn not to-"
"Liar and cowardr' cried the infurlated
villain. "You are afraid. You shall fight
me, by all the powers of evil Stand upon
your guard, or will kill your
Brandon made n savage lunge, but Tom
caught the point of his rapier and whirled
il aside like whip with his own trusty
weapon.
Beware, Hartley Brandonr" he cried. 81
bid you stand back!''
"And l bid you come on!' cried the mad
dened ruffian. IF you are not coward
come onl''
Tom drew back and evaded dexterously
the savage thrusts made at him, standing on
the defense.
The truth was he was an expert swords
man, superior even to Brandon, having been
trained even from infancy by his father.
who had once taught the craft.
Bright glistened the steel blades in the
moonlight, until at length, with a magnIf-
cent counterplay, Tom, who had been cool
headed all the while, ran the point of his
sword down the others blade, locking it in
the scroll-work at the hilt, and, with a dex-
ferrous fling. sending it many yards away
into the bushes.
Astounded, enraged beyond measure,
Brandon stood before his rival whipped. and
wholly at his mercy.
But Tom was not the one TO take advant-
ace of this