The morning news. [volume] (Savannah, Ga.) 1887-1900, 1891-06-21


"In a day or two resolved to call on my
late travelling companion as a gentleman
might do in America. OF course, it was by
her invitation given at parting. / Dor
rowed Lysle's ponies and phaeton, and took
two or three Afghan footmen along TO run
ahead and clear the way, and drove out in
great style Alighting in Capt Kelley's
courtyard, boldly knocked at the door. I
was met in the reception room by a severe
looking lady, who announced herself as
Mrs. Capt. Kelley She appeared to be
| greatly shocked ct my coming, which she
strongly intimated was an impertinence. 1t
was not in accordance with the rules gov
erniug English society In India.
perhaps l wouldn't have cared about
this ordinarily, but her manner was very
aggraRRting. l told her at once the basis
Of my acquaintance, when she declared it
\ was simply q piece of American imupu-
dence 70 make the acquaintance of any lady
in that way. She raised her voice loud
enough to scare the Afghans in the court
yard, and two Of them ran away without
their pay.
A GLIMPSE THAT GAVE HIM COURAGE.
"At the same time caught sight Of q
half laughing, half fearful face Of my
young lady through a stealthily opened
door. She was listening. Being morally
certaia of her sympathy. at least, 1 put on
bold front and told Mrs. Capt. Kelley
that l was an American gentleman, and it
was lucky for her she was only an English
woman.
Leave the house, sirl' she cried. You
will have to meet my husband
"'Certalnly madam said l, retiring as
gracefully as possible, there's my address.
Send him along. shhll be glad to meet
him. Good-davp
"WheE told my friend Lyle that after
noon thought he would die laughing. He
said that little Kelley was probably within
the sound Of his wife's voice all the time,
and declared that he was as afraid as death
of her.
~ was sitting out in front of the bunga-
low smoking that evening when young
fellow in a smart red coat came along and
spoke to me, asking if my name was Davis.
told him it was. Then he inquired if /
had any apology to send to Mrs. Capt Kel-
ley. / said hadn't.
BEGAN TO LOOK LIKE BLOOD.
"He then wished further to ask il had a
discreet friend could refer him to IN such
delicate matter. It occurred to me all at
once that this bullying English crowd
wanted to kill me-that this was in the way
of challenge l had not only never
figured in an affair Of this kind, but never
knew any man who had. l didn't want to
fight, softly admitted to myself Fight
ing spoils the skin / never shot a pistol in
my life. couldn't hit the side Of barn
at fair range. II I got killed nobody
would sympathize with me, for nobody
would ever get the truth at home. II I
killed a British officer I'd probably get
shot by file of soldiers or get life sem
tenoe. The outlook was very gloomy. But
while thus thought it over, it was but a
few seconds before l calmly referred the
young man to Maj. Lyle (who was south
erner and knew all about such matters), as
il I'd been fighting all my life.
Kelley wants to fight at daylight said
Lyle, eytng me little humorously little
later.
"'All right. Let her CO. said I, conceal
ing my rather tumultuous feelings. No
man can tell what Pm thinking by looking
at my face. Great thing at the poker
table.
LYLE WAS GOING IN STRONG.
"I told him so,' replied Lyle. ALSO
that we would take pistols. have a splen-
did pair of hair triggers Also, casually
mentioned that you were typical Ameri-
can and dead shot-could shoot the but
tons of his uniform without breaking the
cloth. Also, that you had been insulted
and would shoot him on sight In the Ameri-
can style, il he didn't give you satisfaction.
"'The devil you did," This was goingi it
rather Highland without consulting me.
But said no more for some time.
"'Do you think he'll Gomez
"'Come! OF course he'll come-with an
apology, toop
"'Nor My muscle began to relax.
"'Yes he will I'll go you the wine on 1t.
He never fights. It's the old woman. But
you'd better get ready to pull out before the
matter gets out among the other officers of
the garrison. They'll make it unpleasant
for you In some way
GOT our ALL RIGHT.
"The major was right as to Capt Kelley.
For the young subaltern called within an
hour with a polite note from Mrs Capt
Kelley saying that upon consultation with
her niece she was satisfied that she was too
hssty and that she very much regretted
having given offense to a gentleman who
had so kindly befrierded the aforesaid
young lady en- route.
IL replied courteousiy aud begged her not
to mention 10. / never was 80 glad to find
big round hole through which TO get out
Of scrape as was on that occasion.
leave travelling women alone, too, since my
experience in India"