The Abbeville press and banner. [volume] (Abbeville, S.C.) 1869-1924, 1894-06-13

able His heart had from the beginning
had little to do with the matter, but his
vanity had been flattered by the love OF
so handsome woman, and gradually
her beauty had overpowered his senses.
Now he would have given much II he
had never seen her. The husband was
furious, and would no doubt fight to kill.
How could a Hohenfels be coward!
But life was, after all, too enjoyable an
affair to be risked in such foolish man
ner.
There was no help for it, however. All
he could do was to risk it and trust to
luck.
He sat down and wrote several letters,
one to his parents, few more to some
of his most intimate friends. 1t was
most disagrecab;e task, but he finished it.
Then re thought over MS financial
affairs. That was far easier matter.
There was not much to think about, for
he had little besides his salary.
He put few directions on a paper
which he folded into an envelope. Then
he wrote the superscrfption on 1t: ITO
be opened after my death, and put 1t
into his breast pocket
So ne had put his house in order and
sat down to wait for the return Of his
friend.
Baron Won Greibern found DR.. Braun
field awaiting him.
aItis my first duty" he said, after a
courteous greeting, ito inquire whether
an amicable settlement Of this disagree.
able matter is. not possible. and I am
authorized to offer every reparation con.
sistent with the honor Of my friendE
II am very sorry to state," was the
Doctors reply, "that l cannot see the
possibility of settlement. The offense
In this case was so grievous that nothing
but bloody conflict can satisfy u.s."
"Very we'll. As the challenged party
we have the right to choose the weapons,
but will waive that right. I would be
pleased to hear proposition from YOU"
ave would propose pistols"
agreed"
"Ten PAGES"
Accepted.
sBoth principals to fire simultaneously
at the word fire. and to continue firing
until one party drops. Each revolver to
contain six shots. If necessary, reload
ing permitted.
This was far more serious than he had
expected
"But, Doctor, that is vindictive!" he
remarked.
The Doctor shrugged his shoulders.
any friend insists that It shall be mat.
ter Of life and DEATH" he said.
SIf you insist upon such course We
will have to agree. But, Doctor, be.
seech you to consider the matter. Such
duel will have necessarily most un.
fortunate result"
@That is but too true. have tried to
reason with my friend, but without
avail He is determined"
agreed, then," the Lieutenant said,
gloomily. "But / herewith disclaim all
responsibility. You have forced US into
this"
The Doctor bowed in token of assent.
"Will any further witnesses be neces.
sary on the spot?" he asked.
@Not that l can think Of" was Grei-
bern's reply. aWill you act as physician
yourself?"
."Im may have other duties," the Doctor
answered. II would propose DR.. Alb
ing"
II do not know the gentleman, but II
you recommend him, it is agreed. Have
you any preference as to time and
placer! =
awe would like to make an end OF
this thing as soon as possible. Would
the day after tomorrow, at seven o clock
in the morning, be convenient"
Perfectly convenient, and the placer"
GOn the opening in the forest south OF
the castle hill. About three hundred
PAGES from the carriage road"
Il am not acquainted with the spot
Is it secure from intrusion?"
sAt that hour entirely So"
every we'll"
Thus all necessary preliminaries OF the
duel were arranged. The two gentle
men arose and the officer took his leave.
On the way home he bought an excel
lent pair of pistols Of the most approx
ed pattern.
But Count Won Hohenfels declined to
practice with them, notwithstanding the
Lieutenant's anger at what he called his
friends StubbOrnnesS.