Herald and news. [volume] (West Randolph, Vt.) 1878-1943, 1890-10-23

4
that you are swindling card sharper"
answered him with blow this time
not a damaging blow, however, for thu
quick hand of Erskine thrust mine aside
before it had time to more than Craze the
cheek of my insulter. Then there was &
great noise of rushing feet, and before
could well realize my position fully fifty
men stood between Rivers and myself
st was an outrageous insult" said the
voice of Erskine, who stood close at my
side amid the throng, "and you returned
it bravely, or would have done So had
not prevented you"
(Which greatly regret, Erskine."
My GOODNESS was beginning to return
now.
"Why regret it?" continued Erskine.
Gentlemen should find other weapons
than their fists, Sternforth. A blow is a
blow, however, no matter how lightly
dealt | suppose Rivers will challenge
you"
He had hardly finished speaking before
Holmes, the gentleman who had been Riv-
ers' partner at whist. made his way toward
the throng.
81 am requested by Mr.. Rivers, " he said,
80 demand immediate satisfaction from
you for the insult you have inflicted"
Immediate satisfaction | said coolly
"How is that possibleY Although the age
of duelling is past"-
"Ah, hal you hesitatef' exclaimed twenty
voices
looked about me. 1t seemed as if the
eyes of every man present were fixed in
tently upon me.
"You are mistaken, gentlemen" said,
with the greatest calmness of manner |
could assume. 81 do not hesitate, merely
desire to know what is expected of me in
this matter"
Eighth answered the twenty voices
IL do not refuse Mr.. Rivers challenge.
| am skillful at no weapon but the pistol;
and as have, believe, the choice OF
eapons'-addressing myself now exclu-
sively to Homes-"I shall of course choose
that. Any further charge in the matter
of time and place WILL trust, be assumed
by my friend, Mr.. Erskine."
Erskine bowed assent
A few moments of conversation took
place between himself and Holmes, when,
turning to me, he at length said: 81 have
decided upon both place and time-here
and now. Does the arrangement meet
with your approval? There is no necessity
Of making this affair-provided it does not
result in very serious consequences-un-
duly publS. Rivers has expressed wish
that the duel If you accept his challenge,
lake place at once. The weapons also are
n the building"
Every WE'LL" said, with voice that
shook a little, in spite of my efforts to con-
rol it: 81 convent to your proposition"
1T is not the first time that matters of
his sort have been settled here In the club |
lpon the evening of their occurrence" |
srskine went on $50 far, | am glad to |
tate that nothing more serious than flesh |
wounds have been the result Will you |
emain here while Holmes and measure |
he PAGES in another portion Of the roomY /
All will be prepared in very few mo-
nents."
With these words Erskine left me among
he crowd of gentlemen by whom | was
had not long To wait. He |
eturned presently saying: Everything is
n readiness. The distance is 10 be twelve
'aces. VIII you follow me- If you please?
rivers is already waiting for you to APP
ear"
We passed arm in arm To the lower end
( the large apartment. Rivers, as he had
aid, was there waiting my appearance.
onfess 20 a very miserable feeling when
he pistol was put in my hand by Erskine
he suddenness of the whole matter had
carcely left room for thought until now.
isions Of one ! loved better than all else
D the world haunted me in hundred
leading ways during the next three min
ties. thought of the agony, too, that my
imily would feel on the morrow if the
ews Of my death were to reach them in
heir quiet country home Ny DEATH Was
to die like thisf-shot down for the mere
bedience to a tyraunous social code that
! my heart | had always despised and
atcdf
Well, hope Of life was strong within me
, the last ! thought Of her
"Onen
Erskine's voice had spoken the first word
signal. And somehow that monosylln.
le wrought change in my feelings.
lded force TO my arm and a courage to
" heart that J had wholly despaired OF
Nperiencing
"rwor'
wheeled halT round toward my oppo-
snt. The pistol was clutched in my hand
DIV with grasp of steel. was no in
rior marksman at ordinary times. felt
at my aim would be deadly
Three
stood face TO face with my opponent.
Fire"
Both pistols discharged simultaneously
ade one sharp report.
Was ! unhurtg | moved my limbs
lightly. feeling no pain in any Of them.
My opponent, seen fairly through cloud
smoke, was standing erect-uniniured {
'rhaps, like myself And yet my aim
I'd been sure, or at least fancied so.
Suddenly George Erskine's voice sound
at my side. raised TO tone of the most !
loudness; Three cheers for
ed Sternforthl He has stood the test !
avelyr'
! looked about me in utter bewilder- !
ent, while the cheers were given clamor- !
Isly from every side. !
| turned toward Erskine and asked;
What does that singular behavior mean :
the part Of yourself aud the other mem :
IS What have | done to deserve this !
thusiasm9 Oblige me BY explaining" !
That task is mine, " said the voice OF !
vers, as he approached to where stood.
have been acting a part tonight, Mr..
a a