The Arkansaw traveler., 1886-04-03


 is this cowardly poltroon doing here?"
 Springing forward and ciasping her arms about him with a pitiful cry. she exclaimed, 70 Eustace! Why will you be so unreasonable-so cruel? Walter is not a coward! Have you forgotten how he saved your life?"
 another time! Oh, mo- l have not for gotten do not forget so easily If his hand had been steadier this afternoon, he would have had my life, surel "
 You know that shot was not intended for you!" I said, quickly, We were calling turkeys, Miss Ethel and we each mistook the others call. got glimpse of his cap through the bushes and thought it was turkey, and"
 Fired at him." she cried, with horror.
 Yes; but have thanked God for de stroying my aim
 1 don't think He'll destroy mine, when it comes my turn" was the blas- phemous reply At any rate, I'll not be an assassin; won't fire at him without giving him chance too
 Eustace Eustace!" cried Ethel, clasping her arms more tightly about him, and bursting into tears
 With great difficulty restrained my anger. My first impulse was to strike him to the ground Then, remember ing his really generous nature, and that when under the control of his fiery tenn per he was not himself, said
 You do me great in justice, and feel sure that you will realize it some day, and then bidding Ethel good-by, I left them.
 Two weeks later returned to college Eustace was already there, and l found that he had taken another room. We had been such fast friends that this caused comment He had given no ex- plantation of his conduct, and when asked by my classmates the cause of his arrangement, merely replied that if there was any alienation, it was on Hal leck's side, and must therefore leave it for him to give an explanation.
 The day after my arrival the college term not having yet opened note was brought me, by a classmate named Ship pen, who was always foremost in any college trouble It proved to be chal- lenge from Eustace The terms of the note were curt and formal must at- ford him satisfaction for disparaging lam guage used towards his father, either by full apology or by meeting him at such time and place and with such weapons as might choose Should l fail to do either, he would brand me as a coward
 Of course, was greatly disturbed and perplexed, but at once replied that l would consult friend Going immedi- ately to student with whom l had al ways been on familiar terms, and who had had some experience in such mat ters, 1 said:
 Johnson IIalleck has challenged me to fight him, and need your assistance What shall do?"
 What in the world, Tyson, has hap pened to bring you to such a pass?"
 l told him in few words Of course, l cannot fire at him." l said "There's no other way, as l sec but to give him a shot at me, but never can fire at him
 That would be a one-sded affair" he said, and then he unused for mo- ment. I'm sure you'll have to fire at him" he added There's no other way with such impulsive, determined men as he We all know Halleck. Unless you apologize you'll have to fire at him; he'll be satisfied with nothing less"
 Well, said l, If you know him, you know me, too. can stand up to be fired at but can't fire at him ;"
 !" l understand your feeling in the mat ter. Yes, l do know you, old fellow and. of course, I understand; but the only way to end it will be to apologize isty IIalleck Who brought his note?"
 v I ,1. .l 1, unused again.
 I'll see Shippen,' he next said "I think we can arrange it-so that you can fire at him; you must make up your mind for that.
 was not convinced. Still could not apologize truthfully and could as soon fire a bullet into my own heart as to fire at Eustace Halleck But nothing more was said on that point till We all met on the fatal field.
 The weapons were rifles; the distance thirty paces. The ground had been stepped of, and We had been placed. back to back, and then. for moment only Johnson was with me.
 Fire at him, Tyson, he said, in low tone. You must, you know or you'll never end it.
 can't said.
 You must. Do as l tell youl Fire at him, You won't hurt him
 What?" asked, with a quick sus- picion that possibly there was no ball in my weapon; but he was gone, and stood alone waiting the fatal signal Ready! Wheel! Fire! which was to be given by third man whom the two seconds had chosen.
 tried to be calm, but Johnsons last words had made that impossible. My mind was in a whirl. Perhaps it would be better, after all to make an appear ance of taking aim; but hefore had decided the words came
 Ready Wheel Fire!
 The first sent painful thrill all through me, at the second l turned quickly, with half-levelled piece, when, simultaneously with the third, I turned