St. Landry democrat., 1886-04-17

which is at least as unusual, but which
seems to be called for by the circum
stances o. tAc ase.''
'Cisely. Quite so,' said Captain
HarcOurt.
The result of that decision is" pur
sued the Major, that we are here tc
demand a meeting. Colonel POLLARD
entirely valves the question of rank
feelin, as he does that nothing short OF
the course he proposes can vindicatc his
honor
"And you concur?' inquired the
Cornet
"'Zact'y.' said Captain Hsrcourt
1--WE concur
Il must ask you to allow me to differ
from you, gentlemen, said Iregar-
| then. Il do not see how it is in any
way possible for Colonel Pollard to vim
dictate his honor
1--WE will not trouble you, Mr.. Ire
garthen. said the Major, ''for any ex-
preston of your opinion He spoke
with infinite drvness 1--WE will merely
ask you to nominate an hour for the
meeting and to name your friend
Il can not oblige you, gentlemen,
returned Tregarthen. Colonel Pollard
has wantonly and publicly tefamed the
character of a lady, and [ do not see
how even q public apology and with
drawal could hel p him. "
The COlone's EN- sSaries looked at
each other with uplifted eyebrows.
Are we to understand asked the
Major. that you decline to meet
Colonel Pollard?'
81! do not sen how the breach of law
which Colonel Pollard proposes can
console him for former misdemcan-
orr
Bay Jove! y know cried Ha"-
court, 1.-The fellows MAIDS a March
hare
IL am not mad. most noble Festus,"
said Tregarthen. bowling.
The two military gentlemen were
strangers to the voll:me from which he
quoted, and they looked at each other
again, with q glance that said plainly
that the mark had been h't
II will fight in the Queens cause"
said the Cornet, but in no other"
Here was another touch of the bOmbast
natural to ardent youth, but Tregar-
then's aspect was calm and it was not
difficult to see that he meant what he
said and was likely to abide by it.
II do not think, sir said Major
Eykin, that you properly appre late
the situation, or the alternative that lies
before yoI.'
MAY | so far trespass on your kind
ness" asked the imperturbable young
man, las to beg you to instruct me?''
You have offered to the virtual head !!
of your regiment a public and most
shameful insult returned the Major,
IN considerable heat. 'H, valves all |
of his rank, and stoops to
demand a personal encounter in vindi-
,at on of his outraged honor. Stops,
'ir-understani me, sir i say loops
% demand personal encounter. That
you refuse. Do you know
what construction gentlemen will put
Upon your refusal?'
II await Instructions, sir answered
Very well, y said the Major, grown
ardonic on sudden, you shall have
t. 1t is open for you to Offer an abject
lpologv, and to eNchange-if you are
till inclined to ornament the service
is that the only alternative course
'ou see?' inquired the cornet par
lon me, gentlemen. We are all nat
rally a little heated by the events of
he evening. May l suggest that we
tempt a milder humor?'
The thing, SIR declared the Major,
stands beyond discussion. You 40
:ravate an original otfense by the tone
on choose to take
Permit me- said this amazing sub
ltern. 'Is it not at least equally open
0 Colonel Pollard with niyself to offer
n apology and to exchanged he is
till inclined to ornament the service?'
Ma or Eykin swung round upon his
eel and marched to the door. There
e turned abruptly.
lone more chance, sir. Do YOU
pologize Or fght??''
Neither. sir,' returned Tregarshen.
he Major tore the door open and dis
ppeared. Iregarthen ran forward and
ED the door while Harcourt left the
pom. Their steps ed off into silence,
nd the presumptuous young man was
1T to his own reflections, which began ,
} be disturbed and bitter. He found ,
tile fault with himself as yet. but he
ad learned in what light his conduct
as likely to be regard d by the men
nong whom he had desired to live.
e had acted deliberately, and was not
the least disposed to be ashamed of I
mself. Men of middle age can some /
mes school themselves to hold can ,
e to the devil. They learn the wis
I'm of the world, and are not greatly
clined to champion their own notions. !:
hey feel no dshonor in federation. ,,
ut with two-and-twenty all this may |.
} different, and, happily, it sometimes