The Union times. [volume] (Union, S.C.) 1894-1918, 1903-02-27

IL.
chance. She is promised to neither Of
us. If anything, you have the advan-
tage. But that's all right. l mean to
win her for my wife If can, and you
for yours. What wanted to say to
you Is this-you won't let it make any
difference in our friendship. will you?"
AS he spoke he extended his hand to
his friend frankly and generously, al
most plcadingly. After q momentary
hesitation Peyton accepted the prof
fered clasp, and the two men shook
hands warmly over this strange COM
pact, compact utterly impossible Of
fulfillment
81 won't take any advantage of
you,' said Darrow magnanimously,
and you won't take any of me, l
know"
mo, certainly not, and / am quite
prepared to concede that you are the
better Of the two, Bob"
II am not willing to admit that ut
oil, but whether you are the better or
not I am going to do my level best in
an honorable way to win, Boyd"
Il shall do the same"
"All right. Now we have settled
that. Whew! It's load off my mind,
am sure. You see want Miss Mary
and I want you, too, Peyton. 1 want
her love and want your affection as
well. l want everybody's and / sup
pose you feel much the same way"
We'll, I'm not so particular about
everybody's," answered the more re-
served Peyton, 'but I 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 n bargain. Now, tell me,
Peyton; saw you salute the flag, and
twas natural thing for you to do.
If 1 had been alone, probably would
not have done 1t, but I sort of fol-
lowed your example. You know 1 have
been accustomed to follow your lead in
most things, even to falling in love
with Miss Mary, for, as matter Of
fact, suppose you did it first"
Il have loved her ever since she was
born," said Peyton quietly.
"Jove" said the other. $50 have /.
But what 1 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 OF give a decision yet"
mo, not Immediately perhaps, but
you will be very soon. The talk Is all
secession. Governor. Moore is in favor
Gf it. The election Of delegates to the
convention takes place on the Oath.
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
will follow South Cardinals lead and
go out Of the Union. 1t won't be three
weeks before the thing will be DONE"
II can't believe it,
Its true nevertheless. And every
son of the old state will have to make
n decision one way or the other. Now,
what are you going to doT'
II can't tell yet. l can't believe the
contingency will arise"
But If it does?"
when it does, shall have to decide
in accordance with my conscience.
Could l not still remain an officer of
the United States navy even If Ala
bama does secede? l love my profes.
sion. | am thoroughly satisfied with
1t. do rot wish to abandon it. WHY
could not still keep on as amp
Because the United States govern
mcnt will ondcavor to prevent seces.
sion Ey force"
.'is it possiblc?"
1T is certain. We in the south have
known it ever since Lincoln was
elected. They will deny the right of
secession aid attempt to enforce their
refusal and Is sure as there is n God
above Us you ard every southern man
will have to say whether he will fight
foi. or against the south, God bless
her."
This is all new to me, Darrowr'
cried pcyton. 1T comes upon me as
a great surprise. never imagined
such Il thing until today. You see. we
sHilcrs do net get III touch with popu-
lar opinion very closely. and have
but recently returned from a long
cruise in foreign waters. Now that
You say so, | begin to believe that YOU
may be right. There is IL spirit of re.
siSt%nc" il the ncTth; Of compulsion.
too. | think. CT there Will be-"
Il am glad of it," said the other. 81
uid not think they had spirit to do any
thi!;;. y nation OF Shopkeepersw he
went on with lofty scorn. "They will
, cut pretty figure down here. won't
th"y! met man from Arkansas the
other day. and lie said that If Abe
Lincoln's soldiers set foot upon the
sacred soil Of Arkansas they would
fattcn the catfish from the Red river
TO the gulf CT Mexico with their car
caSScS."
barrow laughed harshly as he told
the tale
"CEh!' said pcyton, shrinking from
the brutality of the remark. "IIow
I1n L..