The watchman and southron. [volume] (Sumter, S.C.) 1881-1930, 1903-12-09

and all VIII say he has rigi& to
demand satisfaction, though | know
that he provoked the quarrel on
purpose. ] cannot refuse him on the
ground of station, for he is above
me in that. | must meet him.
.sThcn," said the mother in low,
calm tone. bat with much effort,
"you shall not feel that your mother
would thwart your design. If your
own good judgment says go. then 60.
If they bring your body to me in the
stern grasp Of death. | shall pray for
the soul that has gone and shall
hope to meet you in the home OF the
redeemed. If you come back to me
alive, shall thank God that YOU are
spared. But, alas, the Joy will be
clouded with the though, Of blood
upon your hands and the knowledge
that my iov is another's grief
's,No. no. my mother" cried Ruric
quickly and earnestly. 81 will not
haye fellow beings blood upon my
hand if can avoid it. Only to save
my own life will take his. He has
done all this himself-all, all. The
quarrel was. his own. and the first
blow was his. The challenge is his,
ard now is not the responsibility his
also::"
s1t is, nv son, so far as he alone
is concerned. II you have respon-
sibi!ity, ii must be to your own soul.
But tell me. has not the emperor
made some new law touching this
practice of dueling:"
Eyes, but only the challenger Is
responsible. The party challenged is
held free from blame in the eyes of
the law
ssThen l shall interpose no more
objections" said the mother. She
tried to speak hopefully, but she
could not hide the fearful sadness Of
her heart. ssCould fervent prayer
avert the blow it should not fall, but
I can only pray as one without pow
er."
4 long time after this was passed
in silence. Both the mother and
son seemed to have something upon
4bo;r minds which fhev wished tc
ssav. but dared not. But the former
al length overcame her reluctance.
sRuric. my son. she said, keep
ing back the tears that struggled for
utterance in their silent speech, 'sis
there any little word you would
leaye-any matter of moment
tsNo, no." the boy answered,
speaking calmly by effort. Il am
yours, and all is yours. But I shall
not fall"
"Ah, be not too confident, my
son. Let no such assurance lead you
to forget your God. I have heard OF
this count. It was he who slew Rut-
ger, and Momjako, too, he slew in
the duel. He is an expert swords
man and surely means to kill you if
he can"
Il am aware of that, my mother.
But do YOU know that We are all
nrone to. overlook our own powers
when pondering upon the feats Of
others? I may be pardoned for as
suring you that the only man who
has ever yet overcome the count at
the sword play was one Of my own
scholars. While in Spain practiced
with some of the best swordsmen in
the kingdom. But, listen, | will
send one word. For yourself I can
tell YOU nothing which YOU do not
know. But vet YOU may see Rosa
lind. If you do, tell her But you
know my soul. You can tell her as
yo1, please. But shall not fall.
It was DOW late, and ere long Ru-
ric kissed his mother and then re-
tired to his bed.
And The widow was left alone.
With her eyes she followed the re-
treating form of her beloved son,
and when he was gone from her
sight she bowed her head and sob
bed aloud. When she reached her
humble couch, she knelt by the side
thereof and poured forth her pent
up soul to God. When her head had
pressed the pillow, she tried to hope,
She tried to fasten one hope in her
mind, but she looked only into the
night. Not one ray Of light reached
her struggling soul. She opened her
eyes Of promise in vain, for she
looked into gloom so utter that
out of it's depths loomed only the
blackness Of despair.
Sleep on, Ruric. But, oh, couldst
thou know how thy fond mothers
heart is racked there'd be no sleep
for thee!