The Morris County chronicle. [volume] (Morristown, N.J.) 1877-1915, 1904-07-12
Donald's
Interference
By w. W. HINES
COPYRIGHT, 1908, bp ". n. Hines

y
the mind Of Donald Ordway. a brave
hearted gentleman, aged fourteen, that
this At Of tears had to do with the
visitor who had just left her. There
fore it was betting that this visitor
should return and make prompt apoI
ogy to Miss Lettice for anything ir
his words or actions which might have
caused tears. 1t seemed to Donald
that it was both his peculiar duty and
much to be valued privilege TO bring
back this visitor and see that the apol-
Ogy was made, even If it should be
necessary to resort to force to accom-
pIish the desired end
There would be odds against him, he
reflected, as he thought Of the stran-
gers broad shoulders and athletic APP
pearance, but odds In battle were not
to be considered by an Ordway, nor
was it well that one Of the family
should contemplate the bare possibili-
ty Of defeat in any wariike undertake
ing. OF course defeat was possible,
but one could and did put 1t out OF his
mind in going into battle
Therefore Donald set out hastily
along the oak arched driveway which
led to the big gate. 1t was his calcu-
lation that he would be able to over
take the late visitor just outside the
boundary Of the Ordway demesne, and
this cheered him, for it would not do
to attack guest within your gates.
Once outside the gates the duties of
hospitality do not shield the offender.
This was in the code Of Donald's blue
grass country and was not to be ques-
toned by one who was raised upon
the lessons furnished by that code.
And just beyond the. big gates he did
overtake the visitor, who was walking
along the roadside toward the station,
slashing angrily at weeds with hts
cane Donald had not figured on the
cane and wished that he had thought
to provide himself with weapon of
some sort But there was no time to
hesitate, and he made haste to put him
self alongside his adversary to be-
Pardon me, sir" said Donald, "for
interrupting you" The whole pro-
cedure must be carried through with
an enemy was never justihable. Don
aid recollected having heard his father
often say that.
The man with the cane came to a
stop
"Well, what is II, young manT he
said, somewhat brusquely This
brusqueness was very ungentlemanly,
thought Donald, but the man was a
northerner, and this, in Donald's eyes,
showed that he knew no better
you are Mr.. Douglassf' He had
seen the card on the tray in the hall.
Eyes. What of it2" this brusquely, as
before Then, did Miss Mason send
you after meY" with trace of eager
ness in his voice.
Certainly not, sir" said Donald,
with dignity. II have come on my own
account, SIR 1t was not in the code
that one should drag the name of wo-
man in the quarrels Of men.
well, what do you want?" The
brusqueness was again quite evident.
TT will be necessary for you, sir, to
apologize to my cousin, Miss Lettuce
Mason"
Apologize to Miss Masonl'
"You have heard me correctly, SIR"
Donald was greatly rejoiced at the
firm dignity OF hts own tones. He felt
that he was carrying through his part
in the affair in way which would
have won the sincere commendation Of
his father and even of his grandfather,
who had been the most famous dueffst
Of his day and state.
But, young man, don't owe Miss
Mason any apology"
That, sir, is question which you
must permit me TO decide. Miss Ma
son is, as l have said, my cousin We
Ordways"- there was CULVER of pride
in the way which Donald pronounced
the name-''are not accustomed to re-
ceive instructions from outsiders upon
matters Of etiquette"
what makes you think ! owe Miss
Mason an apology7"
us it not enough, sir, for you to
know that deem an apology neces-
saryT
Now his prospective antagonist threw
back his head and laughed loud and
long. Donald waited patiently until
the fit of laughter had passed 1t was
merely another item to be added to
Mr.. Douglass count of rudeness.
There had been nothing In the Oriway |
blood or the Orylway upbringing to
teach this fourteen ear-old descend
ant of the cavaliers that there was
anything ridiculous in his demanding, |
without understanding to explain, an |
apology from bearded man of thirty. |
mo" said Mr.. Douglass, still half |
choked with laughter. TT is not |
enough for me to know that you con-
slider an apology necessary. must |
catch my train and will bid you good |
afternoon" With this he turned and
would have walked forward, but that |
Donald laid OBTAINING hand on his |
arm.
Then you must fight me, str"
Nov, hook here, you young savage, |
why don't you pick out man Of your |
size instead Of trying TO pick quarrel |
with little fellow like myselfT' Evi-
IDENTIFY Mr.. Douglass was inclined to |
consider the whole affair a joke, for he |
threw up hts arms In a position Of de-
fense which Donald could readily see
was burlesqued.
All that could be demanded OF even |
the Ortiway courtesy was passed. and. |