Bellows Falls times. [volume] (Bellows Falls, Vt.) 1856-1965, 1896-05-02
''CL.ARE:NCE''
Continued from Saturdays Times.

go on said Pincllney, flushing
slightly. snake your terms. I am
ready
Put I'm not said the unexpected
voice of the deputy at the grille of the
ssTftcway. excuse my interfering, gen
tlcmen, but this sort O thing amt down
in my schedule. I've lei this gentle
man." pointing to Capt. Pincllncy, of
for mint to say good-hy to a lady,
who, | reckon, has just ridden off in
her buggy with her servant, without
saying by your leave-but | don't cal
kcrlate to let him inter another business
which, like as not, will prevent me from
dcliverin' his body safe and sound into
court. You hear mel" AS Clarence
opened the gate he added: 81 don't
want ter spoil sport between gents, but
it's got to come in after I've done my
duty"
"l'll meet you, sir, anywhere, and
with what weapons you choose" said
Pinckney, turning angrily upon Clar-
cnce, as soon as this farce-for which
you and your friends arc responsible
is over" lie was furious at the rcfiec-
ton that Mrs. Brant had escaped him.
different thought was in the hus-
bands mind. But what assurance have
that you are going on with the dep
uty?" he said, with purposely insulting
deiberation.
My word, SIR" said Capt Pinckney,
sharply.
And if that amt enufl, there's
nine" said the deputy. For if this
gentleman swerves to the right or left
betwiXt this and Santa IneZ, III blow a
hole through him myself! And that"
he added, deprecatiDgly. lis saying a
good deal for man who doesn't want
to spoil sport, and, for the matter of
that, is willing to stand by and see fair
| play done at Santa Inez any time to-
morrow before breakfast"
Then / can count On you?" said
Clarence. with a sudden impulse, ex-
tending his hand.
The man hesitated a moment, and
then grasped it. We'll, / wasn't ex-
pecting that" he said, slowly; but you
| look as if you meant business, and if
you amt got anybody else to see you
through, I'm thar! Isuppose this gen
tleman will have his friends?"
Il shall be there at six with my sec
onds,'' said Pincl<ney, CURLY. Lead
on
The gate closed behind them. Clar-
cncc looked around the now empty
patio. and the silent house, from which
lie could now see that the servants had
been withdrawn to insure the secrecy
of the gathering. Cool and collected as
hc knew he was, he stood still for
moment in hesitation. Then the sound
o. Voices came to his ear from the gar
den room. the light frivolity of Susy's
/ laugh, and Hool<er's huskier accents.
He had forgotten they were thcrc-he
had even forgotten their existence.
Trusting still to his calmncss, he
called to Hooker in his usual voice.
That gentleman appeared with face
which his attempts to make uncon-
cerned and impressive had, however,
only deepcned his funereal gravity.
Il have something 10 attend to-"
said Clarence, with faint smile, "and
] must ask you and Susy to excuse me
fora little while. She knows the house
perfectly, and will call the servants
from the annex to provide you 10th
with refreshments. / will join you
little later" Satisfied from Hooker's
manner that they knew nothing of his
later interview with Pincllney he
turned away and assembled to his own
| room.
He then threw himself into an arm
chair by the dim light of single candle
as if to reflect, but he was conscious,
even then, of his own calmness and
want of excitement, and that no re-
Fiction was necessary. What he had
done and what he intended to do Mas
ouita clear: there was no alternative