The Cecil Whig. [volume] (Elkton, Md.) 1841-current, 1893-12-30

fingered battered straw hat.
Yes, said the Colonel. You know
those pistols of mine in my dres sing
case! Fetch them 20 mel
Yo' dewelin pistils!
Yes. Be quick!
The coiored man looked at the
men in turn, He noted the attitude
OF each and the look in their faces.
Yo' amt goin't fight, Marse? he
ventured anxlously, not moving.
That's none OF your business, you
rascal! Numbered the Colonel.
Go!
An instant the colored man stood
nervously playing with his hat brim.
Then he turned 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 Colonel
stripped the leaves from twig he
broke from bush Each had his
back tow ard the other. The minutes
went by. But at last there was
a slow step and Israel came up. He
came reluctantly, as il he hoped thai
time would cause them 10 change
their minds. He looked hopefully
at them; but saw no encouragement.
Both the Colonel and the Major
appeared as cody determined as
could be, though the color had gone
from their cheeks.
Israel could not prevent a deep
sigh OF despair, which the Colonel
heard. Shut up! he muttered
savagelv. Give me those pistols!
VIII the grove suit you! he asked
turning toward the Major.
Perfectly! said the latter and the
three took up their way, the Colonel
leading the Major next and, Israel
al his masters command, bringing
up the rear and dragging his feet
as though they were weighted. A
few minutes of walking, and they
came to a small open space surroun-
ded by trees. The Colonel halted
and faced about.
VIII this do? he asked.
Yes said the Major.
There is no advantage in position
l believe. The sun shines across the
glade2
Nonel
But we had better toss for post
ions any how, said the Colonel, and
he deity fipped coin into the air
The Major called "heads )" and
"heads" 1t was.
will take the southern end, he
said. The Colonel bowed acquies-
cence.
presume you will be satisfied il
Israel attends to the loading7 the
Colonel remarked. He has done it
before!- with the slightest of
smiles.
Quite! returned the Major, ignor-
ing the last words.
Then, Israel, load those pistols,
and do it carefully! commanded the
Colonel. Do you hear me? as Israel
stood gaping at him with terror
stricken face
Yes, Marse mumb!ed Israel, pick
iAe up the weapons mechanically.
He moved over to a near-by stump,
and for a minute sat mOtionle5S with
the pistols in his lap. The Coloneps
thunderous tones brought him to
movement. He glanced at the two
men standing stiillv at some distance
from each other. Then suddenly he
began to load the pistols. The
Colonel, seeing him proceeding
with the task, turned to the Major.
Ten pacesi he asked.
The Major nodded, and the other
was irrltated more than ever by his
eilence-but he went on. We will
put the pieces under Israels hat.
Then we will draw them Are you
agreed? He clipped off his words as
he continued, Israel will count. On
the three, we will fire?
THIS time the Major vouchsafed
agreement in words.
A minute more and Israel came
forward slowly with the pistols, one
IN either hand. At the Colonel's
order, he laid them on fallen tree
trunk and placed his hat over them.
The Major drew one; his opponent
took the other.
The TWO men took positions back
to back, and then moved away five
PAGES and wheeled about SO as to
face each other.
Israel said the Colonel a bit
huskily, Count one two three, and
if am killed, see that l am decently
buried!
The Major WINGED perceptibly at
this last order; but the next instant
was as calm and his face as impasslVe
as ever. Both men raised ther
pistolarms, and stranged to say,
; there was at least momentary
tremor of the hands and a nervous
: twitching OF the lips as they looked
} at each others eyes.
4 One! counted Israel. The pistols
( steadied and came into line with the
2 breasts of the men.
! Two! Israel pronounced the
word distinctly, SO that it cut sharply
D on the sense of hearing.
An instant's Duase then: Three! !!
S The pistols cracked together, and
a cloud OF blue smoke curtained the
men and then drifted lazily before