The National tribune., 1900-06-14

in a Testament that he had brought with
him. He politely asked mo to be seated on
a log, and twisting his mustache and look
ing at me with his keen eyes, he said:
Il have been informed that You have
been making 1t a practice during your
scouting to call at the little house up the
valley"
yes, sir" replied; "but may ask who
told you?r
q will tell you, it was Degiff, your com
panion scout. He reports that you go
there often"
"Very true, very true. But did you
know that Degiff went to the house every
time he scouts in the north?'
NO: but it is this way: you and Degiff
will neither one go there again if you value
your safety. Those people are MeXicanS.
| and YOU know Mexicans cannot be trusted.
They say they hate the Mexicans, and,
as they live in Texas, l supposed they were
friends; they act that way"
"PreSt, if you go to that house again,
without my orders to do 50, will have you
plunged into the river; and Degiff will re-
ceive the same orders" and he bowed me
out of the tent.
AS l walked away I resolved TO give
Degiff good thrashing. 1t was evident
that he loved Inez, and she had treated him
a little coldly, and he thought it prudent to
get me out of his way. But he had hurt
himself also, though not as bad as / would
hurt him when got a foul at him. On the
way back TO where the boys were having q
game Of loo | met Degiff.
AccoSting him, said: 81 understand that
you have been meddling with affairs that
would have been better if let alone"
Sir, 30 understand that you wish to
insult me?"
"No." replied with steel in my tone, "but
why did You tell the Lieutenant about my
visits at the hacienda"
He wanted to know" he replied with
curtncss.
NO, he didn't" said.
DO you say l lied?" he scornfully asked.
"That is just what say" replied.
We'll have TO fight" he returned.
Every good" replied before | was con-
scious Of what had done, but would not
beg off. | had never seen a duel, and
had but little idea how it was to be, but
knew that ii was kill Degiff or die by his
hand. 1t vas decided that we should fight
next morning.
That night, after supper, it was an
nounced that the Lieutenant would make a
talk to his men at his quarters, and he
wanted all to be present except the pickets.
| thought would escape hearing his speech,
as the subordinate had detailed me to be on
picket guard that night. But the sub
ordinate came and told me that he had de-
tailed another man TO occupy the post until
9, and that would take it then.
1hlS was very unsatisfactory to me, as
didn't want to hear the Lieutenant, for /
knew on what subject hewas going oSpeak;
but ! would have TO go and hear him; it
might be that he could get Degiff on more
humane terms. did not want to be killed,
nor TO kill; but if had it to do, would Ger
tainly try to get the first shot. We were
soon at the Lieutenant's tent. He stationed
Degiff and me, side by side, in front. Clear
ing his throat he proceeded to speak. /
do not remember all he said, but among
other things:
81 do not see why men want to fight duels,
take friends, brothers life, The Bible
says their soul will find a place in hell
Are we Christians? Veal Nayi Chris
tians do not duel. It is barbarous. We
were sent out here to protect the border from
the Mexicans and from the savages, and
now two OF our men, our two most noted
scouts, on whom we depend for safety, are
going 10 act as saVageS" He made an
hour talk and then Dcgiff got up and in-1
formed ! m hat the duel would be fought at
8 O'Clock next morning.
3didn't claim 30 be a dueliSt but Degiff
was boasting around camp that this duel
would be his third. My thoughts ran
back to my home at New Orleans; there was
a gray-headed uncle awaiting my return.
If he never heard of me, he would suppose /
fell in battle while bravely fighting.
l thought of the pretty Senorita. and
how loved her. | knew now, beyond the
shadow Of doubt. that loved IneZ, and
was confident that she loved me. How
would like 10 carry back with me to New
Orleans this girl as my wife and present
her to my uncle as new niece.