Waterbury evening Democrat., 1889-07-02
E|;;'II'II'ERED BY FAYE
BY EMMA s. SOUTHWORTH.
coprris,.t 1883. by Laird & ..ee.


 Copyrisnt 1884, by Laird 4.ee.
 Of course it was challenge from the duelist captain. Roger smiled when reading it.
 ssYour friend sails under new name since knew him, but I would just as, soon let him feel the point of my sword under the alias of Capt. Grant as tue Count Romanoff. You can say to him, sir, from me, that he will hear from Roger Darrel in the course of 8 day or two, and that I conjure him to abstain from liquor in the meantime, lest he fail to give me the sport expect. The officers eyes sparkled.
 'You have my best wishes, MT. Darrel. The captain and I are acquaintances. nothing more, while in you I recognize fellow Virginian. Still shall do my duty as his second"
 A few more words, and Lieut., Car son walked away. He did not note the trembling of the bushes close by, or see the white face that was thrust out after his departure. There had been an eaves-dropper to the interview, and from that fact much was to come, as will be presently seen. -.-
 That very evening Capt. Grant was made the recipient of letter purporting to come from Roger Darrel, in which the time, place and weapons were named. He received it with every demonstration of delight, and there was no reason to believe that he was was otherwise than sincere.
 His preparations were simple and soon completed. Whom the early dawn came, his second was with him, and together they set out for the place appointed as rendezvous.
 At some time in the dim past it had been ground consecrated to burial pur- po-es, and the weeping willows still swayed their long slender branches over few stones that were half hidden in the tall, rank grass.
 Hardly had they come to a pause, how ever, when a couple of forms appeared among the trees and advanced to where they were standing.
 To tho surprise of the captain, neither of these was Roger Darrel. Before he could comment on this fact, however, the strangers had arrived close to them.
 One was handsome man, the other 6 tall, willowy youth, with a small, dark mustache. The latter's hat was so ar- ranged as to hide part of his face, but the flashing eyes seemed to pierce the captain through and through. and somehow he shivered as though seized with the ague.
 ''You are in time, gentlemen said the handsome man, in a musical voice.
 "We are we'll aware of that, sir, but how is this? I do not see your princi- pal" returned Lieut.. Carson.
 ''He Is here," said the youth quietly.
 His words produced something of a sensation. and Lieut.. Carson laughed.
 ''There is some mistake" he said; i've came out to meet another"
 ''That other will not be here, and in order that the gentleman should not be disappointed in meeting a Virginian, my friend here is willing to cross blades with you," and the handsome man indicated with his hand his comrade.
 Capt. Grant laughe aloud.
 II have passed through some strange scenes in my life, but I assure you, gen. tlemen, this beats them all. What do you take me for? My life is certainly valuable to me at least; therefore, you will pardon me if decline to risk it in an engagement with one with whom I have no quarrel, and whom cannot even rec O11cCU udV1uB Iu0C U01OIos u 16 UOO tU- surd.'
 The face of the youth reddened trifle, as though the voice of the captain, moro than the words he uttered, touched some hidden chord deep in his heart, and brought up from the grave of time mem- ories that were far from pleasant.
 Though the duelist knew him not, these two had met before, and ere they sepa- h I,+ %<> him.
 'Are we to understand that you refuse to fight, then2" inquired the handsome stranger.
 Exactly. am always very particular as to whom meet on the field of honor and would not like to sully my sword in an engagement with an unknown party. Ii my foeman has been cowardly enough to send some one in his place because he lacked the courage to face the man he in- suited, then you may go back to hip, and tell him Capt. Grant brands him as an in- famous -"
 "Hold P cried the youth, in a strangely stern voice; "say no more. The gentle man never sent an answer to your chal- lenge. Probably there will one come to- day, but l mean to place you in a COnulClOu where aCcepClH8 It VIII pc out of the question. It was my friend wrote you, and am here to keep my agree. ment. You are a coward if you do not fight me" and he whispered name in the duelist's ear.
 ''Your object is fully accomplished, my friend. Who you are, and what tho cause of your enmity may be, know not; but this is now small matter with me. ] see your friend has swords with him. We will test their temper"
 He took one of tho blades offered tt him almost without a thought, and triee it over his knee. They were of the fines material, and the eyes of the duelis lighted LID with satisfaction when he dis