The Iola register. [volume] (Iola, Allen County, Kansas) 1875-1902, 1900-05-18


duel, which he feared quite as much |
as death itself.
you may think what you please Of |
me-" he said, "but / am not willing 10
fight duel with you-of course, con
sidering all the circumstances"
81 see your plan, Wrinkle, said Ron
aid. "You have insulted me in the pres
ence OF others, and If you avert trouble
with me. you leave the witnesses under
the impression that | yielded to the
indignity without a murmur. That, /
see, | must bear; but | assure you, in
your refusal to fight me, you have re-
ieved my mind, for no coward can in
suit me-"
Wrinkle began 10 breathe more free
ly; he even allowed u defiant smile to
play about his lips as he took a match
from his pocket and relighted his cigar.
"As you please" he said, with slight
suggestion of a sneer. ~ cannot fight
you"
~But 1 am not through with you,"
Ronald burst out, flaming up again.
You are On officer in the pay of my
country" He had taken u penknife
from his pocket when he restored the
revolvers to their places, and he now
deliberately erasped Wrinkles coat and
/ cut off the top button.
+ what are you doing" gaBped the
officer, pulling back.
Taking a irmer grasp on the lapel,
Ronald jerked the captain back to
where he had stood. "Stand still" he
Numbered. "You are unfit to wear the
uniform Of any country. You'd make
gallant soldier in time of need, would
MT your"
without another word Wrinkle stood
still and allowed Ronald TO sever from
his coat his buttons and shoulder straps.
'Now good morning, captain" was
the parting injunction, IF you ever
dare TO drive over me again, shall sim
ply strange you"
AS IL afraid another word might fur
Their enrage his antagonist, Wrinkle re-
treated towards the house, taking long,
swift strides.
Ronald stood for n moment watching
the walk towards the house, then still
holding the buttons and shoulder
straps in his hands. he sank on rus.
tic seat near the spring. His passion
had already spent itself, and a strange
revulsion of feeling came over him.
He had drawn back his hand TO
throw the buttons and shoulder-straps
into the high grass. when he heard q
clear. ringing voice behind him.
Don't throw them away" and Eve.
lyn Hashrooke. her big white apron
filled with maiden-hair ferns and wild
flowers, emerged from behind a thick
hedge.
Before her words had died out he
was on bis feet, speechless with sur
prise.
81 heard every word" she said with
sigh, land at first ] was almost
frightened TO death. ! was going TO
interfere II he had-had accepted your
challenge, but when ! saw that he did
not intend TO fight you / remained
silent. / was an esvesdropper-1c con-
TESS that-but simply had to listen,
II wss really terrible-your voice
your lookS!"
He was overwhelmed with confu-
|
doned, Miss Hasbrooke," he managed
to say, after little pause. II am on
your grounds and Capt. Wrinkle is the
guest OF your house"
She shrugged her shoulders and sat
down on the seat he had just left.
81 am going TO say what ! really
would not say II II were not al set
Id ha4 hax Ia
was putting the stems of her fern
leaves together in her left hand land
that is that 1 do not blame you
much"
"You do not really?"
For a moment she gave him full
glance from her deep sympathetic
eyes.
81 did not sleep a wink last night
Mr.. Fanshaw. l was so angry with him
that l could not close my eyes.
came near asking my father 10 SEND
him away. From a mans standpoint
l presume you have done all that car
be done"
He sat down by her.
81 never let my temper get the Des'
OF me, Miss Hasbrooke, without feel
ing dissatisfied with myself. l re
Trained from striking him when
found he would not fight, but what
finally did was just as bad" He wal
looking at the buttons and shoulder
straps in his hands.
Evelyn laughed softly.
"He may not lave any more buttons
here in the country" she said, land h
may have to discard his favorite sui
for awhile"
81 did it in a spasm Of uncontrol
liable anger" was Ronald's defense.
"He deserved more than that Sigh
humiliation" she smiled; land yet yol
must not try TO conquer the divine in
clination you now have to pity him
1t shows you are truly noble-noble!
Ronald blushed to the roots of hi
| hoir