Western Kansas world. [volume] (WaKeeney, Kan.) 1885-current, 1890-04-26

1
disposed. Reid then explained his sit
uation, and the circumstances which
led to the challenge, disclaiming any
intention to offend Thomas, and asking
Ridgely to become his second.
L have done him no wrong, said
Reid, ~and never had the slightest
idea of wounding or insulting him. I
would willingly have made any explain
alton, or even an apology for any imag-
mary insult that he may have con-
ceived was intended. What has spurred
| him on to this rash vindictiveness I am
at loss to know. But it is now too
late, and as he has determined to force
me into fight it cannot be avoided
yet I do not want TO take his life.
After listening to Reid's statement,
Ridgely seemed lost in thought for sew
eral moments; then, as if he had sud-
denly arrived at some conclusion, said /:
well, Reid, to be frank with you I
Will tell you that Herman Thomas was
here not half an hour ago, and 1 have
agreed to act as his second. He Is from
my town, and is highly connected, and,
of course, could not refuse him. Al
a good-hearted, gallant fellow, but he
is fully impressed that he has been out
ragged and grossly insulted by you in
the presence of the picket guard"
Il am very sorry did not see you
first, said Reid, as he slowly rose to
leave Ridgely's tent to seek some other
friend.
"Sit down, Reid. said Ridgely. %and
I will tell you what I'll do. As I know
you both so well, if you will consent, I
will act as second for you both!"
Il am perfectly willing" replied
Reid, Frightening up, "to put my life
and honor in your hands.
very WE'LL" said Ridgely; "the
moon will be well up by 9 o'clock to-
night, and half mile up the river from
the ford, on the other side. is clump of
mesquite trees, which Thomas has al
ready mentioned as secluded spot.
We will meet you there at that time. if
you do not object to the place, and I
will send for Thomas at once and in
form him of the arrangement. You
will come alone, unattended, as I will
bring surgeon with me-"
With this understanding, Reid shook
hands with Ridgely, thanking him for
his kindness and friendship, and mount
ing his horse rode over to his camp to
make his final arrangements for the
duel.
The sun went down behind the mount
aims, gliding their peaks with crimson,
melting into gold. Not long after, the
Queen of Night was slowly ascending
the silvery stairway of the sky to her
throne in mid-ocean. The drums had
beat, and the bugles sounded their tat
too, which, perhaps, was to be the last
that would ever again be heard by the
two young men who were SO soon to
meet in deadly combat Save the senti-
nels, the camp had become hushed in
slumber, and not sound was heard ex-
cept an occasional challenge by the
guards. As the time drew nigh, Reid
mounted his horse, and having obtained
the countersign, passed out of the lines
to the river San Juan. Crossing at the
ford, and taking up the bank, he soon
came to the designated clump of mes
quite trees, Where he was challenged by
Ridgely, the party having already ar
rived. Dismounting and hitching his
horse to a tree, Reid advanced and
saluted the party.
Ridgely then, addressing the COM
batants, said:
Gentlemen, as you are both friends
of mine, [ have consented to act on this
occasion as the arbiter between you in
this duel, upon the only condition that
each of you will now pledge your sacred
honor to obey my commands implicitly,
and be governed by the terms and order
of the duel, which I will explain after
you are placed in position. Will you
make this solemn pledge and abide by
it?" e.
Both men firmly responded, II will.
The ground was then stepped off by
Ridgely, and the choice of positions was
won by Thomas. The young men were
then stationed, their loaded weapons ex-
amined, and placed in their hands at a
present-arms.
The September moon, which was near
its full and already high upin the heav-
ems, shed its silver sheen upon the scene,
lighting up the dark chaparral bushes,
and the hmpid waters of the San Juan,
as it murmured along its winding banks
and seemed to chide the murderous in
tent of the men; while the peaks of the
surrounding mountains looming up in
the distance, looked down as silent
witnesses of the coming combat. The
shimmering moonlight fell upon the
forms of the two young Rangers as they
stood in the attitude of deadly intent,
revealing every feature and expression
of their faces. The long curly, light
brown hair of Reid, falling back from
his forehead, with his large blue eyes
fixed upon his adversary, bore an ex-
preston of firmness and sadness, In
which was seen no trace of murder
Gus revenge; while the handsome feat
ures of Thomas were rigid and deter
mined, and a wild brilliancY flashed
from his dark hazel eyes. Both appeared
perfectly cool and self-possessed.
Ridgely now approached, taking a
position midway between the two, with
a sixshooter in his hand, while the sur
geon stood off at proper distance.
Gentlemen" said Ridgely, you will
come to an order-arms, and pay particu-
lar attention to the instructions now