The Irish standard., 1892-06-18

Young man, and was duly introduced.
As he shook hands with him John felt
in every fiber Of his body a sense of re-
pulsion that he had never before cxpe-
rienced, and, to judge from the express
sion Of Lanvale's face, the feeling WAS
reciprocal.
When Janet came into the room and
met the newcomer John knew III mo-
rnent the depth Of his trouble and the
cause of his aversion. Here was the
most MISUNDERSTANDING man of his
acquaintance brought in contact with
the woman he loved, and. by certain
keen insight which the young man pos
sessed, he knew that there was trouble
ahead
Lanvale had no backwardnesa about
him, and showed very plainly his adj
aoiration for Miss Gregory, while the
young lady was evidently flattered by
his marked attention.
At the supper table the converse ton
naturally turned on the one absorbing
topic Of interest, and Lanva}e who, as
usual, took the lead. wanted to know
what the colonel thought Texas would
do in the event of Lincoln's election.
The colonel said he very much feared
secession would follow.
"N'hy, don't you hope SOP"
mo, do not want to see the union
dissolve and bloody war precipitated. -
';Well, that is just what wish to see,
but there will be no such luck; the Yam
KEGS won't fight, and, even if they
would, we can whip them ten to one. .
''Just what think, too, ''cried Henry.
John had been silent, but Lanvale
was determined he should not escape,
so he turned to him and asked, quite
significantly:
"What does our silent friend think??''
81 agree with Col Gregory" said
John.
'You do not want to fight, then?''
with q, scarcely perceptible sheer.
II certainly do not
Yankees?"
II do not
''And pray why?''
because they have got the numbers
and the resources; it might be a long
and bloody struggle, but numbers and
resources would finally prevail
IT a:m surprised that with your views
you should remain in the south"
II presume that one can remain in
the south and yet retain his honest COLI
yictions.''
aGh. then the rest of us are not hon
est
Il did not say anything like that
II have always noticed said Lam
vale, t'that your peaceable men have a
strong lot of reasons on their side; as
for me. prefer to strike first and argue
afterwards
Col. Gregory had been listening at
tentively to the colloquy between the
young men, and seeing the trend Of the
conversation gave the signal for with
drawing to the parlor by rising FROM
the table.
Late that night as John was sitting
oat under a spreading oak smoking
Lanvale saunterea down and opened up
with:
$50, my young friend, you do not pro
pose to fght?''
81 am not your young friend, and |
will fight at my own time, in my own
way
Henry Gregory came up in time to
hear this speech and Lanvale turned to
him airily and said:
'tYou see have struck a spark Of fire
ON this flint
'sOh, John is just ou* Of sorts. Let's
&c away and let him alone" said
Henry.
Not SO fast" said Lanvale. II must
see more Of this cold-blooded citizen
who cares 50 little for his country that
he would see it insulted without lifting
a hand in It's defense"
':At least Will lift one in my own, .
said john, and without any ado as he
rose to his feet he launched out with his
left fist, and catching Lanvale under
the jaw sent him flying like a can
nonball several feet. For a moment
Lanvale was stunned; then he rushed
towards John, but Henry Gregory, who
had been t]1understruck by Johns
action, rushed in aud restrained him.
John did not move. L4apvale's face
showed the passions of al devil, as he
fairly Kissed out: S'Nothing but your
blood will wipe out this insult
Perhaps" said John, and thereupon
coolly walked off to his room and went
to bed.
CHAPTER TX.
THE DUEL
About five o'clock In the morning
John stepped out Of his room into the
yard and was Immediately accosted by
Henry Gregory, who had been waiting
anxio1sly for him to appear. Henry
showed in his haggard appearance the
effects of sleepless and anxious night.