Smyrna times., 1894-01-17

COuTdBSm6ul. DOtu tue OOlOD6l ana
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 upl he muttered savagely. Give
me those pistols! Will 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 at
his masters command, brin ging up the
rear and dragging his feet as though
they were weighted. A few minutes
of walking, and they came to small
open space surrounded by trees. The
Colonel halted and faced about.
Will this do? he asked.
Yes? said the Major.
There is no advantage in position
believe. The Sun shines across the
glade?
None
But we had better toss for position
any how, said the Colonel, and he
deity Tipped coin into the air. The
Major called heads; and "heads" it
was
l will take the southern end, he said.
The Colonel bowed acquiescence.
l presume you will be satisfied if
Israel attends to the loading? the Col
ouGl remarked. He has done it before
with the slightest of smiles.
Quite! returned the Major, ignoring
the last words
Then, Israel, load those pistols. and
do it carefully commanded the Col
onel. Do you hear me as Israel stood
gaping at him with terror stricken
face.
Yes, Marse mumbled Israel picking
up the weapons mechanically. He
moved over to a nearby stump, and
for minute sat motionless with the
pistols in his lap. Tie Colonel's thun-
derous tones brought him to move
ment. He glanced at the two men
standing stifiiy at some distance from
each other. Then suddenly he began
to load the pistols. The Colonel, see
ing him proceeding with the task,
turned to the Major.
Ten PAGES? he asked.
The Major nodded and the other
was irritated more than ever by his
silence-but he went on. We will put
the pieces under Israel's hat. Then
we will draw them! Are you agreed?
He clipped Off his words as he cOntin-
ued, Israel will count. On the three,
we will fire?
This time the Major vOuchsafed
agreement in words.
A minute more and Israel came for
ward 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 bit huskily
count one two three, and if am killed
see that | am decently buried
The Major WINGED preceptibly at this
last order; but the next instant it was
as calm and his face as impassive as
ever. Both men raised their pistol arms
and strange to say, there was at least
mOmentary tremor of the hands and
nervous twitching of the lips as they
looked at each others's eyes.
One! counted Israel The pistols
steadied and came into line with the
breasts of the men.
Two Israel pronounced the word
distinctly, so that it cut sharply on the
sense of hearing.
An instanI's pause then "Three =
The pistols cracked together, and q
cloud of blue smoke curtained the meu
and then drifted lazily before the sligh
draft of air.
The Colonel, as erect as ever, quickly
bent to one side and peered past the
smoke at his opponent. His eyes fell
upon the Major, apparently untouched
also. For moment neither spoke
but there was flash of JOY in the face
of each, as quickly succeeded by one o
seeming modification. The Majo
stepped forward.
That was an inexcusable miss o
yours, Colonel Beebe he exclaimed
No worse than yours, Major Haw
kins retOrted the Colonel. Ten pace
and a good light You should hav
hit to a certainty
The trigger of this confounded pisto
pulled too hard explained the Major
with haste.
And Israel startled me by jumpinI
just as we fired, returned the Colonel
The Colonel thought he heard
smothered laugh at this. He turned lik'
a flash upon Israel. sudden suspicion
coming to him.
Israel he fairly shouted, what wa'
the matter with the loading of thos
pistols? There was something wrong
confess il you rascal
, Oh, Marse Kunn'l don't be killinI
dis po man; didn't put no balls in
dose pistils didn't want de Majo
and yo' a killing each oderl
/ I've good mind to horsewhip yo
within an inch of your life bega
the Colonel.
| But you won't broke in the Major.
Then the Colonel looked at th
Major, and the Major at the Colone
v A smile appeared on the formers lii
2 and the latter returned it. A momeI
more, and the Colonel extended h
hand impulsively. The Major aC
vanced and grasped it firmly.
n They stood their holding each Other