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


HARTLEY Brandon, brand you rs liar"
A silence like death ensued in the assem-
bly-room of the Crystal Lake Boat Club as
these words. uttered in a calm but forcible
tone, rang through the hall.
flushed was all conversation now, and all
eyes were turned upon the speaker, who
stood with his back to the closed door of
the spacious apartment.
Tall and erect was his handsome figure,
and betokening, in every inch of its muscu-
lar proportions, wire and strength most re-
markable
The chestnut curls were thrown carelessly
back from the lofty brow, and the firm, I'M
Ainching blue eyes flashed defiance upon
the object OF his wrath.
"Hartey Brandon, the recipient OF the
rather pointed accusation, confronted the
speaker with an angry attitude, his short,
stocky form drawn up TO its fullest height,
and his coarse bloated visage working
with fierce expressions of hatred and ma
levolence
Both were members of the Club, the first
by name Thomas Hathaway, the son of
poor but honest church-gOing machinist.
Hartley Brandon was old Wesley Brandons
son, the richest man in Fairview, and who
also bore the by no means enviable name of
the meaneSt.
1t was the occasion of the final meeting of
the Club previous to its great regatta, to be
held the following day. All the members
were present, and the President was about
to rap the assembly to order, when Thomas
Hathaway's fOrclble exclamation resounded
through the apartment
Inst anti hoo Fl.a rrrrs
vive, and all turned in the direction of the
excitement.
Trouble was rightly anticipated, for the
members of the Crystal Wave Club were,
without exception, young men of blood, and
who would never allow an insult to go UNI
avenged.
Hartley Brandon, brand you as a liarl'
Hartley Brandon drew back as though
shot by bullet and then frightful CLEAN
of malevOlence shot into his dark eyes, and
his right arm was raised in menacing at
titude.
Dare you call me a liar, Thomas Hath
away"
Hartley Brandon, speak but the truth.
You lie. and you know it, if you say that
fOuled yeu in last years races. You know
that you turned my stake instead of your
own, so forcing me almost to the farther
shore, and in truth, fouling me-"
Thomas Hathaway, did not turn your
stake, and did not foul you. You have no
proof of it, and furthermore for calling me
liar, title which belongs to you"
"HOldm cried Tom Hathaway, angrily.
do not give me the lie, Hartley Brandon
or you may rue it to the last day of your
life. Just control your bull temper mo-
ment, and let me argue q little with you.
You may have been too heated and excited
in the race to notice which stake you
turned, but as Heaven is my witness. it was
mine And as for crossing your bow and
giving you my 5ack-water, / was obliged to
do so in order to prevent striking buoy"
Enough said. 1t is a mere waste of time
to argue l know how the affair was as well
as you, and also am well aware of the fact
that you played a mean game, for which
you will be repaid before you die"
Toms face flushed holly.
"Parhaps you may feel inclined to repay
it upon the spot?"
81 accept the challenge" cried Brandon,
wheeling upon his foe. And, as the chal-
lenged one, have the right to appoint the
time, place and weapons. If you are not a
coward, you will not now back out. Here
is my card"
Tom Hathaway's 1.-the form quivered for a
moment with suppressed passion. But for a
moment, however, did this last, and then he
drew back a step, while his face turned to
an ashy pallOr.
Even in the heat of his passion he was not
unmiDdful OF the voice OF prudence which
was whispering in his ear at that moment
Not that Tom Hathaway was a coward, that
is, except morally. No, indeed; but he we'll
knew what disgrace would be visited upon
him, and the family as well, if he accepted
Hartley Brandon's challenge and fought the
duel.
And innate within our hero was a sense
of family pride which. in spite of his pow
erty, would at times like the present assert
itself.
But, alas a few hasty words the next mo-
ment drowned effectually the promptngs of
conscience, and impulsive Tom Hathaway
made the greatest, and well nigh most fatal
mistake OF his life.
"Ah!' cried Hartley Brandon. his dark
face assuming triumphant expression.