Edgefield advertiser. [volume] (Edgefield, S.C.) 1836-current, 1894-02-28

father could have no knowledge Of what
his proposal meant. He would not willing
ly deliver me bound into the hands of my
worst enemy.
And then, with subduing and SOLDERING
effect, it struck home to my heart that all
this was but the rebellion of a selfish pride.
The individual has his rights, private feel
ings have their place and value, but to
weigh them against the claims OF duty is
impious. Could l be guilty of such i'm
piety? Could 1 turn needless ear to the
call for help that had reached me9 No, a
thousand times, mol Better suffer any hu-
initiation; better sacrifice freedom and lik-
ing forever than turn traitor to those
loved. Help? Yes, would help. If neces-
sary would 60 to Dundee and be deaf and
dumb under Peters persecution. He could
lay on, and would never so much as pro-
test.
The cleaning came, and my landlay en-
tered with light. The cheerful glow of
lamp and fire strengthened my resolution.
My writing materials were on the table,
and I sat down eagerly to reply that
would do in Ill particulars according to my
fathers wishes. AS wrote my paltry OBJ
iections grew less and less till they were no
more than vague shadow at the back OF
nv mind. My spirits rose, the prospect
frightened. was almost glad OF the op-
portunity that had arisen to do something
practical. would throw myself into my
new studies with all my soul and-who
knew? I might yet realize my fathers
dream and be legal luminary and restore
the fortunes of my family. had read Of
such things; I would make my life ro-
nance.
My sheet was perhaps half full when all
at once there arose great shouting under
my window. stopped to hearken, but un-
able to distinguish what was said l raised
the sash and thrust out my head. The
moon, which was near the full, shone in an
unclouded sky, so that the light was good
Below saw half dozen familiar figures,
and in their midst, with leer on his face,
was Peter Clephane He broke into IT,
rade of reviling and mockery as soon as he
saw me, asking me how liked my drub-
bing and whether wouldn't come down
and get more. closed the window, firmly.
resolved to make no response. Words are
but wind, and they would not turn me
from nv purpose But the clamor waxing
louder ard r ore aggressive, SO that could
not write b any degree of self posses
sion, put out my head again to beg them
to 70 peaceably away. was received with
volley of v"ry i'll smelling slime an
shout of derisive laughter.
"That's slight expression of our respect
and esteem for scabby highland man."
cried Peter. How does it taste?"
shook off the filth with dizzy head
and sharp construction of the throat that
made ME gasp. did not speak, could
not, but there was fascination that held
my eyes fast on my enemy. AS did not
withdraw, was bespattered second time
They shouted in their glee louder than
ever, Peters voice being high over all. The
rising tumult within drowned the noise
without. I did not hear what was said.
Lights began to leap in fantastic maze be-
fore my sight, and there was sound in my
ears like the vicious song of million bul
let's ! cleaned myself again as we'll as pos
sible, my assailants screaming in an ecstasy
of JOY at my plight, then turning backward
1 clapped on my bonnet and descended the
stairs.
NV appearance outside was the signal for
another and fiercer storm of ridiculc.
But my passion was already running high
and needed no fresh tempest Of derision to
make it surge Walking straight up to
Peter and looking him in the two eyes SO
that lie flinched and fell back, 1 said in
voice that was strange even to myself:
'The time has come for you and me to set
tie scme points. Come this way and bring
your friends"
At the back of the house there was an un-
used plot of ground covered By soft
sward 1t offered desirable seclusion,
and thither I led them. They took the
thing rs fresh jest, making boisterously
merry over it, little aware of the madden
ing electricity that tingled along my veins
or the deadly intent that had brought me
there.
Immediately upon entering the inclosure
threw off coat and waistcoat, slipped the
braces from my shoulders to have freer
play and frightened the belt about my
waist. Peter stood regarding me with q
look partly of curiosity, partly of con-
tempt.
II think you had better strip" said
quietly. II want no advantage" There
was no longer any thought of the crippled
arm.
Your words are brave to come from SO
white face" he laughed. "You look as if
you had just seen your grandfather's
ghost"
Get ready" said, biting my lip in my
impatience, so that tasted the salt blood.
"Well!" he cried. II declare I have
never seen a better performance ct circus,
though must say it seems an odd taste to
wait two thrashings in one day."
Get ready" repeated, "for fear l kill
you before you have chance Of defending
yourself"
He stripped leisurely, taking time to fold
each article daintily as he took it of, and
to keep my purpose hot his tongue was
busy with sarcastic compliments to my
valor. At length he bowed elaborately,
saying he was ready to receive any atten.
tention cared to bestow upon him. The
words had scarcely left his lips when
he was reeling from the attack. But it
was not fight such as we used to have
1t was n furious onset and feeble defense
can liken it to nothing but a cur strug-
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