Richmond planet. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1883-1938, 1902-03-29
CHAPTER /.
PREPARING FOR THE DUEL

OuereQ him, applied IL to the end or his
cigar, looked again into the mirror that
extended from floor to ceiling and be-
gan leisurely to draw on his gloves.
Beneath the coat he had so carefully
buttoned across his ample chest he was
faultlessly attired. Faultlessness In all
things was Burr Pendleton's chiefest
hobby among many, and on this par
dcular occasion he had been more i'm
Fortunate than usual. The reason was
obvious to the man who waited upon
him and whose attentions, always
strictly correct, were on this occasion
imbued with a touch OF indescribable
tenderness.
els there anything more, sir?" he in
quired, stepping backward two or
three PAGES and regarding his employ
er-master would be a more appropri-
ate term in this case-with a glance
that was almost reverential.
Nothing. James-ah, yes, the case OF
pistols" was the Indifferent reply.
''Wm yon not permit me to take
them to you, sirT asked the valet ca
gerly.
mo. L will take the case with me.
You are to remain here, James. and on
no account leave these rooms until 1
return or until some accommodating
friend calls to tell you that l am not
likely to do So"
'If the matter were to be settled at
fence, sir, instead of with pistols,
should feel better, but
An imperious gesture interrupted
further remark by the servant, and a
moment later Burr Pendleton said
quietly:
Perhaps you had better fill my cigar
case. james. 1 may not have enough
with me. On the table In my dressing
room you win find several letters that
have written during the day. If do
not returp-that is, If am not here by
noon tomorrow-you VIII see that they
are delivered. refer. OF course, to
such of them as can be delivered. The
others you will post Among them is
one for yourself, but on no account are
You to open II before u o'clock tomor-
row, or we viii say quarter past IL.
How much ready money have you at
hand. JamesT'
Something over $1,000 in American
money, sir. 1t is in the secretary.
Shall get it for your"
mo, no. / do not want Il. In the
event Of your reading the letter to
which i have referred ii will tell you
just what to do. The amount you have
will be sufficient for your expenses, L
think. That is all, believe. No; there
is one thing more"
Yes, SIR
Among the letters you will find one
addressed to Mr.. Craig Wyndham.
think would prefer that you should
deliver that in person, James / have
remembered everything else in the let
ter TO you. What time is 1t? Half
past 81 l will be late at the opera"
And you will not return here after
the opera. sir?"
"No; at least not before tomorrow.
The meeting is to be at In the morn
ing. am booked for supper at the
CcncoTdia at 1, and ii will be or
Whereabouts before we break up. Cap
tain Agramonte is to be one of the
party, and doubtless we will go to the
shooting gallery in San Felipe Neri aft
erward IL there is any time to spare.
After that
The abrupt pause was suggestive,
and tears gathered ia the eyes of the
valet. For a moment he remained
irresoiute; then he stepped suddenly
forward and extended his right hand
toward his master.
"You will forgive me, sir" he said
TREMENDOUSLY. ''bnt things would be cas-
Ter for me during the next few hours
II you would shake hands with old
James. Begging your pardon for the
impertinence. Mr.. Burr, you could not
be dearer to me IL you were my own
SON. VIII you shake hands with me,
sir, before you go out"
Burr Pendleton grasped the Wallets
hand firmly In his own.
Dear old Jimmy" he said, "did you
think i would go away without doing
that2 You are not about to funk, are
you, Jim? Just feel how steady my
nerve is. Ell? Not a tremor, James.
There really isn't anything about this
matter to give you the doldrums, you
know. 1t is true that Romero is a noted
duelist and that he numbers some very
good men among his victims, but
don't think am billed for eternity Just
yet You may expect me here little
before noon tomorrow, but If / do not
come sou must make the best of it and
see that my instructions are carried out
10 the letter"
lyon may trust me to do that, sir"
II know It, James. II things end hap
pily-for me+we VIII leave Mexico for
home tomorrow night. Good night,
Jimmy"
God bless you. sir.''
The door opened and closed, and
James was alone, but long time pass
ed before he moved from his position
in the middle of the door. and only God
and himself knew what words he wills.
pered during those moments of silent
agony
1t was true that Burr Pendleton had
an engagement at the opera that even
ing, but it is also true that he had no
Intention Of going directly from his
r0ounc In fha 15ofal CilO 20 A. 4I,oo4o-