Saint Mary's beacon. [volume] (Leonard Town, Md.) 1867-1983, 1893-10-12


deeper while his eyes returned the
Zach in those Of the other. The
two faced each other in silence for
. moment. Each was so taken
abaek that for the instant the in-
suit Of the other could find no ade-
qaate return in speech.
Then the Colonel drew himself
up and said iciiy:
'fon eau understand that this
means,nly one thiDg:'
The Aajorreplied sith the slight
est Of bows.
u haye q pair of pistols ut my
house continued the Colonel.
With your permission ] will send
for them. The sooner this is set
tied, the better:'
The Major inclined his head q
triHe, and the other turned and
called /: Israel Israel "
There was no reply, and again he
raised bis voice. This time there
was an answering call and a shut.
fling of feet, which gradually be-
came more distinct. A little later
white-haired old darkey came into
view.
'D'yo call, Marse Kunn'I:' he
asked, stopping at the edge Of the
bushes and scraping with one foot
while he fingered battered straw
hat.
Yes said the Colonel. You
know those pistols Of mine in my
dressing-case: Fetch them to me:'
'Yo dewelin pistils 2
Yes. BE quick =
The darkey looked at the men in
turn. He noted the attitude Of
each and the look In their faces.
'Yo' ain't goin' T. fight, Marse 2
he ventured anxiously, not NOV.
ing.
That's none of your business,
you rascal = thundered the Colo
mel. 'Gov
An instant the darkey stood, ner.
vously playing with his hat-brim.
Then he tnrned and moved away.
The two men did not look at each
other. Somehow they disliked to.
The Major stood his gun against
the fence, and took long time to
arrange it to his liking. The Col.
onel stripped the leaves from twie
he broke from a bush. Each had
his back toward the other. The
minutes went by. But at last a
there was a slow step, and Israel
came up. He came reluctantly, al
if he hoped that time would cause
them to change their minds. lie
looked hopefully at them; but saw
no encouragement. Both the Col.
onel and the Major appeared al
coolly determined as could be,
though the color had gone from
their cheeks.
Israel could not prevent a deeI
sigh of despair, which the Colone,
heard. Shut up, you black imp.
he muttered savagely. Give m,
those pistols" will the grove suit
you" he asked, turning toward tn.
Major.
Perfectly" said the latter and tn,
three took up their way, the Colon
el leading, the Major next and Israe
at his masters. command, bringing
up the rear and dragging his fee
as though they were weighted. A
few minutes Of walking, and the!
came to a small open space sur
rounded by trees. The Colone
halted and faced about.
will this do:' he asked.
'Yesp said the Major simply.
There is no advantage in posi
ton, / believe. The sun shine
across the glade:'
| 'Nonev
But we had better toss for posi-
tions anyhow said the Colonel
and he deftly tipped q coin int
the air. The Major called 'heads'
and heads it was.
i Il will take the southern end, h
said. The Colonel bowed acquies
cence.
i presume you will be satisfied
Israel attends TO the loading:' tn
Colonel remarked. He has don
it before"-with the slightest O
smiles.
Quite. returned the Major, 10
. noring the last works.
Then, Israel, load those pistols
|, and do IT carefully commanded th
, Colonel. do you hear me-" az th