, 1883-07-07

NN' AsS S''ANiNH' VI lllt business
You follow, | hope that you are well
} enough acquainted with the man
ners of gentlemen to treat an unob-
trusive lOoker-on with civility, If not
with courtesy
"'Hou speak welI,' exclaimed the
tall man. 4 hope that am gen.
tleman Of good birth and education.
and l hope that have not insulted
you. III have, 1 sincerely beg your
pardon. Grant it willingly and all
VIII be well; reluctantly, and, as a
gentleman, which you undoubtedly
profess to be, you know your re-
COURSE
But for your last remark, 1
would have heartily forgiven you of
any Intention to insult me. As it is,
| do not grant pardon, realizing that
a gentleman is not expected to have
dealings with such a man as you.
And furthermore, let me say that 1
regard you as a cOwardly villain
"Ihe tall man sprang to his feet
and drew bowie knife. The quiet
man did not even look at him.
"'Take that back, or I'll rub your
heart over your faceD
every one arose, but no one felt
disposed to prevent bloodshed.
Il said that l regarded you as
cowardly villain. Keep cool and I'll
tell you why. While we were en-
gagged in insinuating conversation
saw you steal a roll of bills from that
man. pointing to one of the players.
Until then, and but for the remark
you made, trying to compel a cheer
ful granting of pardon, l was dis
posed to pay little attention to any,
thing you might say. Now, sir,
have made my statement. l have
been led into this, and may regret
the cOnsequences-don't hold him
but I shall make no concessions.'
"The tall mans eyes actually
glared. Il have killed five men, and
all for less than this he exclaimed.
Get out of the way! I'll cut him in
two!'
"'Get out of the wayn said the
quiet man. 1T would greatly please
me If he would sit down and conduct
himself less dangerously, but if he is
determined upon a wicked action,
let him be under no restraint
"'YOu are fOolishr exclaimed one
Of the gamblers, turning to the quiet
man. you are not armed, and even
if you were Capt. Aicle would kill
you. am the man from whom you
say he purloined the bills. Isaw the
action, but did not dare to interpose.'
o.. tIsE- r fl.-sst. = i.I--l, .-s.a ssss.'
young gentleman. 4 have heard OF
him. He has very unsavory repu-
tatiOn in New Orleans. If well-con-
structed reports be true, he is not
only thief, but a murderer
Get out of my way ? howled the
Captain, and, struggling, he threw
his companions aside and sprang for
ward. Like sudden revolution Of
a wheel-like an action whose quick
ness cannot be contemplated-the
young man drew a derringer and sent
a ball through the Captains brain,
killing him instantly.
Gentlemen said the quiet man,
beginning to talk ere the smoke lifted,
Il had more than one reason for COM
hitting this deed was insulted, as
you saw, and was in danger, as you
know but, worst of all, that man
murdered my father. l did not con-
template killing him, but, as l said,
would have granted pardon for his
insulting taunts, from the first
though, 1 contemplated his arrest,
which l should have accomplished
had he not attempted to take my life.
am sorry that l have caused such
confusion, and hope that you will
all, as / know God will, forgive me-
'He walked away, gracefully bow
ing to some one who hurried to the
scene of the tragedy. The boat was
soon landed. The Captains acquain-
tances took charge of the body, and
went ashore. We were soon on our
way again, and but for certain little
influences that hung around no one
would have known that a tragedy
had been enacted. Our band of
music, common steamboat feature
in those days, struck up lively air,
and the only suggestive remem-
brance of the Captains death was
the wet carpet where boy had mop
ped away the blood.
'It was late at night when 1 reach
ed my landing. Alone l made my
way to the nearest house, where,
after my business was known, l was
kindly received, Next day attend
ell church and was at once escorted
to the pulpit, behind which some
half dozen preachers were seated.
A well-known minister arose and
said that two preachers from New
Orleans hadvarrived, Prothers Jack
son (mysel0 and Ma5lesOn, and that
Brother Mableson would first address
the congregation. The gentleman
arose, and imngine my surprise when
l recognized in the preacher the
quiet young gentleman who had
Killed the Captain. He delivered an
eloquent, powerful sermon, and after
services approached me and, extend
ing his hand, said
"YOu must excuse me for not
making myself known TO you. 1
kept my identity under a cloak Of
caution. When l boarded the boat 1
recognized my fathers murderer,
and / thought that II revealed my
identity my plans might be frus-