The times and democrat. [volume] (Orangeburg, S.C.) 1881-current, 1886-04-29


He looked The type Of manhood.
wonder he could win womans love if he
strove for it
A notebook lay near his left hand. Most
likely he had been jotting down something
which struck his fancy, whea the grateful
shade and tbs murmur Of the distant sea
had lullel him to sleep-a sleep from which
be would wake only to sleep again foreveri
Nay, might have placed the muzzle Of the
pistol next his heart, and have sent him,
without awakening. from one sleep to the
other. But had no intention Of murder
ing the man in cold blood; nor would it
have suitel me for him to die without know
ing to whom his death was due. Besides,
meant it to he fair duel-a duel to the
deeth-between us. So stoopeI, and laid
one Of my pistols near his right hand; then
T walked back toward the mouth of the
grot, leaned against rock, and waited for
him to awake.
Not for one moment DO attempt to dis
guise the devilish, vengeful feelings which
could urge me in this calm manner to plan
and compass this mans death Now that
wears have passed since that day, do not
even ask you to bear in mind the wrong
that had been done me l simply relate
what did, and shall not murmur at the
blame which I know will be meted out
to me-
The man slept soundly. waited; but no
thought of foregoing my purpose entered
into nv brain. l waited until the dread
that we might be disturbed struck me.
had eloated over my promised victim long
enough. Now let me act the crowning act
I detached e loose morsel Of rock and
tossed it toward the sleeping man 1t fell
on his outstretche1 hand. He started, rose
to q sitting posture, rubbed his eyes; then,
looking round saw me, and knew why l
was there. He saw the look of triumph and
fell purpose on my face; he saw the pistol
in my right hand; he sprang to his feet and
took step toward me.
raised my hand and covered him with the
pistol. He must have looked almost down
the muzzle. "Stand STILL" said, cor l
frer'
The bravest man may we'll hesitate ere he
rushes Oh cartain death. Eustace Grant
stopped short My voice, my look, must
have told him that my threat was no iele
one. The steadiness Of my hand told him
that should not miss my mark
"You have coma to murder mel he SAID,
In deep voice.
'No; to kill you, not murder you Look
on the ground behind you; take the pistol
which lies there; then we are equal. IaHe
it, / say, and face mo like man. Fire
when and how you choose; I can wait my
tura."
He turned and saw the pistol, but did no5
possess himself Of it. Ho faced me steadily,
although my weapon was still aiIned at his
broad bre,st. Deadly as my hate, was
was fain to admire his courage
II think you are mad" he said; but
listeu, have something to say"
1 STAMPED my foot. Coward! villainl
take that pistol or swear will shoot you
as you standT
He stopped and picked up the weapon A
wave of fierce delight ran through me. The
moment Of reckoning was at hand.
Yet he balked ME. He held up his hand
and fired both barrels in the air. UTTERED
a cry of rage
"You are a man Of honor. suppose| he
said. You cannot slay defenseless man."
Thrust my LETT hand into my pocket and
threw handful Of cartridges toward hlm.
He should not escape me-
lie hurled the pistol from him far over
the top Of the rock. My hope of killing him
in fair fight was gone. / gritted my
teeth, and swore that nevertheless he should
not escape "Cowardo' I shouted, with
my finger trembling OF the trigger.
He was bold, for he still stood erect and
faced me. His face grew pale No wonder,
for death was close at hand. He spoke; his
voice was clear and distinct.
Listen" he said, lone moment before
you stain your soul with this crime. Viola,
your wife,"
He said no more The sound of her name
reused in me q burst of mad fury all my
enforced calm left me- "Silence, you
houndp Ishouted.
Grant must have seen the change in my
face, and guessed what it presaged Doubt
less life was dear, very dear to him. He
sprang toward me- My finger pressed the
trigger, and the report rang out My hand
as fired was steady as rock, and before !
saw the effect Of my bullet I knew that 1t
had done its work
The smoke cleared off. Grant was stag
gering to and fro. His hand was pressed
to his right breast, and the red blood was
creeping through his closed fingers and dye
ing his pure white coat. Suddenly he fell,
and lay like log at my feet. The thing
which had for nights and days sighed for
had come to pass
But not with the effect 1 had pictured
Instead Of the e1ulation which had prom
ised myself, a tile Of utter horror swept
through me- One, only one, thought filled
my brain-I had taken this man life, and
was murderer.
TO BE CONTINUED.