Waterbury evening Democrat. [volume] (Waterbury, Conn.) 1887-1895, 1894-01-11

tered with q l1gnC. Inc CneerIul glow on
lamp and fire strengthened my resolution.
Ny writing materials were on the table,
and I sat down eagerly 10 reply that
would do in all particulars according to my
fathers wishes. AS I wrote my paltry OBJ
jections grew less and less till they were no
more than vague shadow at the back of
my 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. I had read of
such things; would make my life a ro-
nance
My sheet was perhaps half full when all
at once there arose a great shouting under
my window. l stopped to hearken, but un-
able to distinguish what was said 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 q tt
rade of reviling and mockery as soon as he
saw me, asking me how ! liked my drub-
bling 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 my purpose. But the clamor waxing
louder and more aggressive, SO that 1 could
not write with any degree of self posses
sion, put ont my head again to beg them
to go peaceably away. was received with
a volley of very i'll smelling slime and a
shout of derisive laughter.
THAT'S a slight expression of our respect
and esteem for scabby highland man."
cried Peter How docs it taster"
I shook off the filth with a dizzy head
and q sharp construction of the throat that
made ME gasp. l did not speak-I could
not but there was a fascination that held
my eyes fast on my enemy. AS did not
withdraw, l was Dispatched u second time.
They shouted in their glee louder than
ever, Peters voice being high over all. The
rising tumult within drowned the noise
without. 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 bull
lets. cleaned myself again as well as pos
sible, my assailants screaming in an ecstasy
of joy at my plight, then turning backward
I clapped on my bonnet and descended the
stairs.
Ny appearance outside was the signal for
another and a fiercer storm of ridicule.
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 he flinched and fell back, 1 said in a
voice that was strange even to myself:
1.-The time has come for you and me to set
tie some points. Come this way and bring
your friends"
At the back of the house there was an IN
used plot of ground covered by soft
5000 ~~....AIrr
sward. It offered a desirable seclusion,
and thither I led them. They took the
thing as a 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 Enclosure
I 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
look partly of curiosity, partly OF con-
tempt.
~ 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 saeE your grandfather's
ghost" 80
''Get ready" said, biting my lip in my
Impotence, so that tasted the salt blood.
"Wellp' he cried. II declare I have
never seen better performance at a circus,
though must say it seems an odd taste to
want two thrashings in one day."
Get ready" repeated, 'for fear I kill
you before you have q chance of defending
yourself"
He stripped leisurely, taking time to fold
each article daintily as he took it off, and
to keep my purpose hot his tongue was
busy with sarcastic compliments to my
vaIor. At length he bowed deliberately,
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 q furious onset and a feeble defense.
I can iken it to nothing but a cur strug-