Forest City press. (Forest City, Potter County, D.T. [S.D.]) 1883-19??, 1905-01-05
cHAITnp IN.
TI,E llI'rI.

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about five o'clock in the morning
John stepped out of his room into the
yard and was Immediately accosted by
Henry Gregory, who had been waiting |
anxiously for him to appear. Henry
showed in his haggard appearance the
effects of sleepless and anxious night.
John on the contrary was cool and fresh |
looking as If he had slept we'll.
81 suppose you know, John, that moth
ing short of a duel will satisfy Lanvale,"
said Henry.
81 understood that before knocked
him down last night, and went to bed
with my mint fully made up to kill
him.
THAT is just what have come to see
you about; ! argued nearly all night
with Lanvale. have shown him that he
was the aggressor, and have told him
that he was no match for you, that you
are IL dead shot; but believe if he knew
1t was certain death he would insist on
meeting you, the fellow seems absolute
ly crazed. He has come here by my in
vitation; you are n member of our fami-
ly, and if he should come to harm here
could never forgive myself, and want
you for the sake of our family to spare
him.
And stand up to be shot at by
crazy fool who first insults me, and be-
cause punish him then wants to kill
me. will make no such promise
We'll, John, l know you of old, and
when you talk that way it is no use to
argue, but want to say if you kill
Richard Lanvalc want You to send an
other bullet through my body; cannot
face the world if you kill that man."
The hard expression on Johns face
softened as he looked at the saddened
,ountenance of his once boyish friend.
"Well, Henry, suppose l will have
70 let him off to crafty you, but it is
,nly on condition that there be one ex-
.hange of Shots"
IAN right. said Henry. joyfully. II
will leave him in your hands,
''When does he want to have this en-
tertaining performance?' said John.
"At your convenience"
'The quicker the better; it is al
-eady light enough to see. l will meet
you down by the bayou bridge in ten
minutes"
With that they parted At the ap-
pointed time John was at the place
named, about half mile from the
1ouse, with his rife in hand and in two
,r three minutes the other two young
nen appeared, Lanvale carrying Henry
iregory's rifle.
Those who have followed the course
of this history have read to little pur-
pose if they have not discovered that
! John Hewson was that rare specimen, a
plain, downright, supplemented man
of great singleness of purpose. He sur.
prised both the young men by the eX'
hibition he now gave OF his character
Walking up to Lanvale, he said:
''Mr. Lanvale, you came here yester
day stranger, and went out of you
way to insult me, which ] resented.
am now cool, have no enmity toward.
you, and no wish to kill you, and l an
willing to let the matter drop where i
is"
''That is fair" put In Henry.
Lanvale, whose face was swollel
from the effect of Johns blow, looket
scowlingly at Johns impassive an,
Henry's eager face as he replied:
81 did not come here to receive o
make apologies"
Every well," said John, as he turne
away.
Henry expostulated with Lanvale, bu
to no effect, and finally, very much ae
greived at his new friend, he stepped o.
twenty-five PAGES and placed the youn
men in position. AS he stood by John
side he said in an undertone: Let hir
off as light as you can"
81 shall put bullet through the to
of his hat. just to show him what
bacllwoodsman can do"
Henry stepped TO one side and coun
. ed slowly.
, ''Onc. two. three, fire.
AS the last word left his lips, bot
rifles exploded. Lanvale staggered, b,
John did not move. Henry ran {
Lanvalc. and found him unhurt, b,
that joints bulle, had gone thronp
the crown of his hat, SO close to h
head that Che concussion had monerta
lily staggered him. He had missed h
mark entirely. The foolish man ";
i. not satisfied hut insisted. as he putt
lin shooting ii out" Henry carrie
this decision to John, who took it vel
! coldly and informed Henry that
would break Lanvale's right should
!. next time.
J. The men were placed in position, nj
\ again the c,ninous words rang ou
. There were two sharp reports alnio
! together. Lanvalc uttered curse al
\ dropped his rifle. John wavered
moment. but the next moment VI
erect and assuring Henry that he w
pnhurt. Henry turned to Lanvale, wi
after dropping his rifle walked q fe
t.eps In waver;ng; sort of way n
rnis to t,nc GROUND fpct rs Henri o.