The daily Cairo bulletin. (Cairo, Ill.) 1878-1???, 1884-02-10

ly. perhaps was N - 70 tsll MIN 10
and yet don't know. That sort Of thing
ought not TO bs allowed 10 60 on among gen.
temsn, and, u II does, II Il clearly some
ones duty to put foot upon it."
He threw away tho stump OF his cigar,
lit new one, md stretched himself along
the couch. In that position he smoked un-
I'll be could - nsahing in the gathering
darkness but the little point Of light an inch
or Two from his non.
Then steps sounded on the stairs, and
there was knock at the door. He called
70 the knocksr to enter, and tive men came
In and looked about them uncertainty in
the gloom. There was q light upon the
stairs without and he recognized his visi-
tors
"Mr. Tregarthsna" said one.
"At your service, sir" he answered,
gravsly. "Bs seated. gentlemen. Allow
me to light the lamp"
He moved quietly about the room, found
his lamp, set II upon the table, and, having
lighted II, resumed his place. But, seeing
that his visitors remained standing, he arose
again and faced them
"Colonsl Pollard" began Major Eykin,
with great solemnity, "having consulted
Captain Harcourt and myself, has decided
TO meet the unusual occurrence Of this
evening by step which Is at least as I'M
usual, but which seems to be called for by
the circumstances Of the case"
"Cisely. Quaits So" said Captain Har-
court.
1.-THE result of that decision is," pursued
the major, "that we are here 10 demand a
meeting Colonel Pollard entirely valves
the question Of rank, feeling as he does that
nothing short Of the course he proposes can
vindicate his honor"
"And you concurl" inquired the cornet
"zactly," said Captain Harcourt "We
concur"
~ must ask you to allow me to differ
from you, gentlemen" said Tregarthen.
~ do not see how 1t is in any way possible
for Colonel Pollard to vindicate his honor"
eve will not trouble you, Mr.. Ire
garthen," said tho major, "fer any express
sion of your opinion" He spoke with in
finite drynea. 1--WE will merely ask you to
nominate an hour for the meeting and to
name your friend"
~ cannot ohiigs you, gentlemen" re-
turned Tregarthsn. "Coionsl Pollard has
wantonly and publicly DETAINED the char
actsr of lady, and do not see how even
. public apology and withdrawal could help
him"
The eolonels emissaries looked at esch
other with uplifted eyebrows
care we to understand" asked the ma
jor, "that you decline to meet Colonel Pol
lardr
II do not see how the breach OF law
which Colonel Pollard proposes can console
him for former misdemeanor"
ebay Jovsf' y know" cried Harcourt,
"the fellows maids March hare"
al am not mad, most noble Festus, '"
said Tregarthsn, bowling.
The two militarygentlemen were strangers
20 the volume from which be quoted, and
they looked each other again. with glance
that said plainly that the mark bad been
hit.
~ viii fight in the Queens cause" said
the cornet, "but tn no othes" Here was
another touch Of the bombast natural 10
ardent youth, but frsgarthsns aspect was
calm, and II was not difficult 70 see that
he meant what he said, and was likely TO
abide by n
ri do not think, SIR" said Major Eykin,
"that you properly appreciate the situation,
or the alternative that lies before you
May ! 50 far tresspass on your kind
ness" asked the impersurbabls young man,
"as to beg you 10 instruct maj"
"You have offered TO the virtual head Of
your regiment public and most shameful
insult +" returned the mAjD, 10 oonsAAsssble
beat. He valves all oonAdsration Of his
rank, and stoops to demand . personal en-
counter in vindication Of his outraged
honor Stoops. sir-understand me, SRI
say stoops to demand personal encounter.
That encounter You refuse. Do you know
what construction gentlemen will put upon
your refusali~
~ await instruction, sir" answered Ire
garthen.
sVery well, :" said the major, grown sar-
donac on . sudden, "you shall have it. II
= open for you to offer an abject apology,
and 70 exchanged you are still inclined to
ornament the service"
els that the only alternative course you
sect" inquired the eoTnet Pardon me,
gentlemen. We are all naturally a little
heated by the events Of the evening. May
suggest that we attempt q milder humor,"
"Ths thing, sir" declared the major,
Stands beyond discussion You aggravate
an original offense by the tone you choose
70 take"
Permit me-" said this amazing sub
altern- Is it not at least equally open to
Colonial Pollard with mysek to offer an
apology and TO exchange b u still in
elined to ornament the ssrvicei"
Major Eykin swung round upon his heel
and marched to the door. There he turned
abruptly.
"Ons more chance, sir. Do you apollo
gize or nghtr"
Neither, sir, returned Tregarthsn. The
major tore the door open and disappeared
TRsgsrthen ran forward and hsld the door
while Haroougt lsit the roeR Their steps
died Of into siiencs, and he prosumptuous
young man was left to hin own reflections,
which began 70 b disturbed and bitter.
He found little fault win hinsslf Is yst,
but he had learned In what light his CON
duct was likely 30 b regarded BY the men
among whom be had desired 10 1.-Two. He
had acted deliberately, and was not in the
least disposed TO be ashamed Of himself.
Men Of middle age can sometimes school
themselves 10 hold candle b the devil.
They lsarn the wisdom Of the world,
and are not greatly inclined 10 champion
their own notions. They feel n dishonor
IN federation. But with two and twenty
oil this may be different, and, happily, IL
sometimes 10. Quixsts grows into Sancho
Panza, as often ~ not, before he comes to
forty years. That may or may not be sor-
rowful, but to bs born Sancho would SURELY