San Antonio daily light. [volume] (San Antonio, Tex.) 1886-1907, 1890-11-26

ILS hldnHcIS VI dh iBltFSu Parry. l nave
played whist too often not to detect
swindling, especially when so palpable
and open as, his. The manners of low
houses have been up to the
present time, believe, wholly foreign to-
the card tables of the Exclusive club
regret that one whom | believed to be
gentleman should have introduced them
this evening"
was on my feet now with clinched
hands, and a face that must have been
CHASTITY with half smothered rage
do you dare to ASSERT began. but
passion choked me, and the cold, sneering
tones of Rivers continued: ~
IL dare to assert, Edward Sternforth,
that you are swindliug card sharperp
answered him with blow this time;
not a damaging blow, however, for the
quick hand of Erskine thrust mine aside
before it had time to more than Craze the
cheek of my insulter Then there was a
great noise Of rushing feet, and before
could we'll realize my position fully fifty
men stood between Rivers and myself
st was an outrageous insultp said the
voice of Erskine, who stood close at my
side amid the throng, land 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 itP" continued Erskine
than their fists, Sternforth. A blow is n
blow, however, no matter how lightly
dealt suppose Rivers will challenge
your"
He had hardly finished speaking before
Holmes, the gentleman who had been Riv-
ers' partner at whist, made his way toward
the throng.
~ am requested by Mr.. Rivers" he said,
ito demand immediate satisfaction from
you for the insult you have inflicted"
Immediate satisfaction said coolly.
GLOW is that possible' Although the age
of duelling is past"-
''Ah, ha! you hesitate" 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"
"Fightr' answered the twenty voices.
81 do not refuse Mr.. Rivers challenge
| am skillful at no weapon but the pistol;
and as | have, ! believe, the choice of
weapons'-addressing myself now exclu.
sively to Holmes-"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 approyal' There is no necessity
of making this affair-provided it does not
result in very serious consequences-un-
duly public. Rivers has expressed a wish
that the duel if you accept his challenge,
take place at once. The weapons also are
in the building"
Every well" ! said, with a voice that
shook little, in spite of my efforts to con-
troll it; 81 consent to your proposition"
at is not the first time that matters Of
this sort have been settled here in the club
upon the evening of their occurrence"
Erskine went on. $50 far, am glad to
state that nothing more serious than flesh
wounds have been the result. Will you
remain here while Holmes and | measure
the PAGES in another portion Of the room
All will be prepared in a very few mo.
ments."
With these words Erskine left me among
the crowd of gentlemen by whom | was
surrounded. | had not long to wait. He
returned presently, saying: Everything is
in readiness. The distance is to be twelve
PAGES Will you follow me, if you please3
Rivers is already waiting for you to APP
pear"
We passed arm in arm to the lower end
of the large apartment. Rivers, as he had
said, was there waiting my appearance
confess to a very miserable feeling when
the pistol was put in my hand by Erskine
The Suddenness of the whole matter had
scarcely left room for thought until now.
Visions of one loved better than all else
in the world haunted me in a hundred
pleading ways during the next three min
utes. thought of the agony, too, that my
family would feel on the morrow if the
news of my death were to reach them in
their quiet country home My DEATH Was
| to die like this?-shOt down for the mere
obedience to tyrannous social code that
in my heart had always despised and
hated?
Well, hope of life was strong within me
to the last. thought of her
"Onev'
Erskine's voice had spoken the first word
Of signal. And somehow that monosylla-
BILE wrought change in my feelings,
added force to my arm and courage to
my heart that | had wholly despaired of
experiencing.
"Twov'
| wheeled half round toward NV oppo.