Waterbury Democrat., 1903-02-24

fell between them, which the
older man was the first to
break. With characteristic frankness
ne asked his friend direct question.
Boyd" he said, "are you in love
with Mary Annanw
at am" was the prompt reply.
''Ts she in love with you? Forgive
me this question, old fellow, but we
have never had secret between us
since we have been boys together, and
don't want to begin now. And I am
as ready to answer as to ask ques-
tons"
''No, think not-not yet, that is."
In any other man Peyton would have
resented such interrogations, but he
simply could not be angry with his
friend, especially in the face Of such
open frankness
Boyd" said the other impulsiyely,
az want you to know that If can help
At she never shall be-
why do you say that, Darrow 2"
asked Peyton, in great surprise, yet at
once divining the reason.
~ 1ovh her myself" resoluteIy.
'tAnd does she love your
"Not yet"
II repeat your words, Bob" cried
Peyton, stopping his horse suddenly.
IF can help 1t, she never shall"
"Good!' said barrow, smiling in
fectiously at the stern face Of the
other man. "That Is as 1t should be. A
fair field and no favor, and may the
best man winl Come, Boyd, don't look
so glum about it. We have an equal
chance. She is promised to neither OF
us. IL anything, you have the advan-
tage. But that's all right mean to
win her for my wife Ii can, and you
for yours. What / wanted to say to
you is thisyou won't let 1t make any
difference in our friendship, will your
AS he spoke he extended his hand to
his friend frankly and generously, al
most pleadingly. After momentary
hesitation Peyton accepted the prof
fered clasp, and the two men shook
pact. a compact utterly impossible OF
fulhllment.
81 won't take a Y advantage Of
you," said Darrow magnanimously,
''and you won't take any OF me, I
know"
mo, certainly not, and am quite
prepared to concede that you are the
better OF the two, Bob"
az am not willing to admit that at
all, but whether you are the better or
not am going to. do my level best in
an honorable way to win, Boyd"
II shall do the same"
"All right. Now we have settled
that. Whew! It's load Off my mind,
I am sure. You see want Miss Mary
and want you, too, Peyton. I want
her love and I want your affection as
well. want everybody's, and sup
pose you feel much the same way"
"Well, I'm not SO particular about
everybody's," answered the more re-
served Peyton, "but / want hers and
yours, and we will agree that whoever
may win the lady the other man may
at least retain the friend"
That's bargain. Now, tell me,
Peyton; saw you salute the flag, and
twas a natural thing for you to do.
IL had been alone, probably would
not have done it, but sort Of fol-
lowed your example. You know have
been accustomed to follow your lead in
most things, even to falling in love
with Miss Mary, for, as a matter of
fact, suppose you did 1t first"
II have loved her ever since she was
born" said Peyton quietly.
''Jove!' said the other. $50 have 7.
But what meant to ask you was how
do you stand with reference to this Sc
cession question:
Il am not aware that am bound to
make or give decision yet"
mo, not Immediately perhaps, but
you will be very soon. The talk Is all
secession. Governor Moore is in favor
of it. The election of delegates to the
convention takes place on the oath. I
was up In Montgomery last week, and
the state desires and accepts it over
whelmingly unless in the northern tier
of counties. Here it's all one way. It's
foregone conclusion that Alabama
go out of the Union. It won't be three
weeks before the thing will be DONE"
Il can't believe it."
'It's true nevertheless. And every
son of the old state will have to make
a decision one way or the other. Now,
what are you going to dor
II can't tell yet. 1 can't believe the
contingency will arise"
"But if it does p
When 1t does, shall have to decide
in accordance with my conscience.
Could 1 not still remain an officer of
the United States navy even If Ala
bama does secede? love my profess
sion. I am thoroughly satisfied with
it. | do not wish to abandon 1t. Why
could not still keep on as amp
Because the United States govern
ment will endeavor to prevent seces-
sion by force"
us it possible?'