Waterbury evening Democrat., 1889-12-13
THE OCT0RO0N
4 STOfY OF SLAVERY DAYS.

ful. the moon arose III her tranquil glory, bathing forest and river in O flood of silvery radiance.
 The last glimmer of crimson light was slowly fading as two men advanced through one of the pathways of the wood-a pathway so overarched by tho rich spreading branches of the trees, that it seemed one verdant arcade.
 Each of these men carried a carbine upon his shoulder. and powder flask slung at his side.
 The first was William Bowen, the sec- ond, who closely followed his companion, was Augustus Horton. They emerged from the arcade into an opeQ piece Of turf, around which the trunks of the giant trees formed species of a wall.
 'Where, in the name of all that's dia- bolical, are you leading me, Bill?" said Augustus. looking about him.
 II guess you don't know your way in this here wood by moonlight, MT. Hor- ton," answered Bill Bowen, laughing; but we're all right for all that. This is tho spot where we appointed to meet that young Englishman and your precious cousin. MT. Mortimer Percy, who ought to be ashamed of himself for taking Britisher's part against his own countryman and against his own flesh and blood, too, as far as that goes.
 "Curso him r lnuttered Augustus be- tween his teeth.
 "Curse him, and welcome, sir, for my part-but this Is where we promised to meet him and his friend. We're close against Craig's plantation. You could see the nigscr huts through the trees II the leaves were not SO tarnRtion thick
 "Hark!' said the young planter; "what's that2"
 The rustling of the leaves announced the arrival of the two men for whom they waited. They approached by the same pathway as that by which Augustus and Bill had come.
 .What'e that?" echoed Bowen; "why it's your cousin and his friend, guess, so keep your powder dry"
 Mortimer Percy and Gilbert Margrave drew near them as Wi!sam Bowen spoke. The four men bowed stiftly to each other.
 II fear that we have kept you wait ing," said Mortimer. I've lost our way in the dusk, and have wasted ton min- utes in finding it"
 Bowen and have only just arrived, answered Augustus. Have ou brought your own weapons?'
 We couldn't get pair of duelling pistols in the neishborhood. replied Percy; 'but I have brought case of revolvers."
 "Revolvers be hanged!" cried Bowen. advancing between Augustus Horton and his cousin. "I'll tell you what it is, gentlemen the best thing that you can do is to fight with these here carbines- neither of which has ever missed fire since they came out of the gunmakers hands. See yonder! he added, pointing to circular dell shut in hy the trees which sheltered it, and light ss day in the broad moonbeams; ''scv there, gentlemen, yonder bit of ground ain't above hun dred feet broad. take it which way you .i... l.. stand cn each side of the circle, and at a given signal advance upon each ether Thatll give your duel the additional charm of the chase. What say you?'
 You fo: get sai1 Mortimer; ''Mr. Margrave does not know the ground
 '1hen we are perfectly equal upon that point" replied Augustus Horton, ''for Bowen will tell you that l never set foot here until tonight"
 "Come, gentlemen" cried Bill, lmpa- tientiy, sis it agreedY"
 Ut is!' answered Gilbert Margravs and Mortimer Percy.
 "Then choose your weapon, said Bowen, handing Mortimer the two car pines.
 The young man carefully measured the instruments of death, and returned one to his cousin 8 second.
 Are they loaded?" he asked.
 "No," answered Bowen, handing him powder and ball. Will you remain on this side of the ground?' Yes"
 Good then it is for you to cross over to the ot5er side of yonder dell, guess. MT. Horton, come!
 But the signalp" exclaimed Mortimer. Shall be shout from me, answered Bowen; ''we'll give you ten minutes to load your weapon and bid your friend good-by for if MT. Horton's anything as good shot as take him for, there ain't | much chance Of your seeing the Britisher | againr
 The two mon disappeared amongst the foliage. and the friends were alone. l Miss Leslie knows nothing of this duel, 1 suppose?" said Mortimer, busy l loading the carbine. 1 ''Nothing!' answered Gilbert. "Poor | girl 1 allowed her to believe that, for her sake, had renounced all thoughts of vengeance upon the man who had in- ! suited her!'
 ] Perhaps that's the wisest thing you could have done; for however this affair blesome business for you. Mems minds are strangely excited just now; the Southern blood is up, and should you es. cape safc and sound from this duel, 1 doubt but you will have to secure the protection of the British consul to save you from the fury of the populace." | .'When @ man sees 8 woman he loves insulted by a coward, he does not stoI to reason" answered Gilbert; 'ithe only thing that distresses me in this matter is the thought that, instead of protecting my adored Cora. I have only brough upon her new dangers. You are tho onl, man in America whom l call my friend You have already given me such power full proofs of your friendship, that thinl may venture to demand of you one las servioe.'
 "Speak, Gilbert, speak. We have in deed been fast and faithful friends; to night, above all other nights, can re fuse you nothing"
 "Listen then. My first caro on leavini
 the Selma, was to engage a boat, whicl
 is to carry us back to Lake Pontchar
 train this very night. Promise me, tha
 if fall, you will yourself protect Cora and restore her to her fathers arms?
 II promise" answered Mortimer. fer l vently.
 "Thanks, thanks" Tho two men shook hands, both to
 much affected for many words.
 "But tell me, Gilbert" said Mortime
 Percy, after a pause, "what was Mis
 Leslie's motive for coming to Iberville?
 "Her mother died here. She comes
 pav her first visit to the lonely grave ( 4 A