Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1905-02-09
CHAPTER XXXVI.
The Last Resort of Gentlemen.

the floor for fully half an hour before eaton
appeared. Stung as had been by Brennan
harsh, uncalled-for words. l yet shrank
from the thought that 1 must now meet
him in deadly combat. 1t was no fear OF
personal injury that troubled me; indeed
1 do not recall giving this the slightest con-
sideration, for my mind was altogether con-
centrated upon what such meeting must
necessarily mean to Edith Brennan, and
how it would affect all our future relation
ship This was the thought that swayed
and mastered me. l had pledged myself to
avoid him, and indeed had used every
means possible to that end I was even
willing to go forth stamped by his denun-
citation rather than involve her In such con-
troversy. But the effort was fruitless, and
ever forfeit my manhood. Thus the die was
already cast, yet in one point l might still
prove true to the spirit of my pledge, and
retain her approbation-I could permit my
antagonist to leave the field unscathed
One who does not realize my feelings to-
ward this man, my fierce resentment of
every indignity he had heaped upon me, my
intense rivalry, and my burning desire
to punish him for a hundred mental
wounds, cannot comprehend how difficult a
battle 1 fought in those few moments in
order that i might conquer myself. The
time was none too long, yet my mind once
became calm again, and confident as to the
outcome. When Cation entered, flushed
and visibly excited from what had evident
ly proven an acrimonious controversy, L
greeted him with a smile.
You appear to have experienced difficult
ties in regard to Details l said curiously.
There was much unnecessary talk" he
admitted, but matters have been at last
arranged to the satisfaction of all con-
cerned. You are to meet at once, in the
rear Of the big tobacco shed, spot entirely
removed from observation. l have been
compelled to accept pistols as the weapons,
as we have nothing else here at all suitable
for the purpose-cavalry Sabers being far
too cumbersome. Lieut.. Starr chances to
possess two derringers exactly alike which
we have mutually agreed upon. l hope this
is satisfactory to you, Wagner"
Il am not precisely an expert, but that
does not greatly matter. Who acts for
Brennan?'
Capt. Moorehouse, rather against his
WILL think"
Very well, Cation; am perfectly salts
fed, and am, indeed, greatly obliged to
you; yet before we go out l desire to speak
a word or two with the utmost frankness. -
l stood facing him, my hand resting light
ly upon the writing table, my eyes reading
his expressive face. LAS my second 1 wish
you to comprehend fully my actions. and
the motives that inspire them. If they are
in any way unsatisfactory to your mind,
you may feel at perfect liberty to withhold
your services l am now, and always have
been, opposed to dueling; l believe it wrong
in principle, and a traveSty upon justice
but it is custom of the south, require
ment among officers of our army, and af-
ter what has just occurred between Major
Brennan and myself l cannot honorably re-
fuse any longer to go out Major Brennan
has deliberately placed me in a position
where l cannot avoid meeting him without
losing all standing in my corps. / sought to
escape, but was prevented by accident; now
l simply yield to the inevitable. / feel con-
fidept will m ST these words
you surely know me sufficiently well so as
not to attribute them to cowardice. | shall
face him exactly in accordance with your
arrangements, asking nothing upon my
part, yielding him every satisfaction he can
possibly desire-but l shall fire in the air. 3"
He stared at me incredulously, his face
perfect picture of amazement. But,
Wayne" he stammered, 'are you aware
that Major Brennan is an expert with the
pistol? that he holds the 9th Corps trophy?
Do you realize that he goes out deliberately
intending to kill your
Il was not posted as to the first fact you
mention, but have never entertained the
slightest doubt as to the other. However
they do not in the least affect my decision"
But; man, it will be murder! | SHOULD
never forgive myself if sanctioned It,"
THAT is exactly why | told you | said
calmly; "and 1 am perfectly willing to
stand alone and absolve you from all re-
sponsbility. Yet 1 do not desire you to
suppose that l am at all quixotic in this
there is a personal reason why / am per-
fectly willing to risk my life rather than
injure Major Brennan
His troubled eyes studied me intently and
then his face suddenly frightened. with a
new thought. Wayne" he asked, placing
his hand upon my arm famliarly, rs 1t
Mrs Brennan
For an instant hesitated, but his manly,
honest countenance reassure0 me. Be
tween us only, it is l answered gravely;
but not the slightest blame attaches to
her."
a 4
last, yet l do not doubt you may be per-
fectly right in your decision" He extend
ed his hand impulsively. Il know you to be
a good soldier and true gentleman; l Will
stand with you. Wayne, but L pledge this
if he takes advantage treacherously, and
you fall Gas God forbidD, l will face him
myself: and when l do, there shall be no
firing in the air.
| wrung his hand silently, and my heart
went out in unspeakable gratitude to this
noble fellow, who, wearing the uniform of
an enemy, had constantly proven himself
my sincere friend. Your words strengthen
me greatly / managed to say al last.
Now let us go, and not keep the others
waiting
l do not remember that we spoke, save
once, while we passed out through the or
chard into the field where the big tobacco
shed stood. A group of soldiers were dig
ging a grave behind one of the negro cabins,
but other than these We saw no one 1t
was as we paused moment to refasten the
gate that | finally broke the silence be-
tween us. .
IN the inner pocket of my shirt I said,
you will find directions which Will enaple
YOU to communicate with my people
His eyes instantly filled with tears.
Don't say that, Wayne, he protested:
81 will not believe it is destined TO END So
Il certainly trust 1t is not, an
swered. smiling at him, and deeply
touched by his show of genuine feeling,
..but | have only you to rely upon IN this
matter if by any chance it does.
The deserted field we were compelled to
cross had long been neglected, and was
now thickly overgrown with weeds. Not
until we turned the corner of the great
ramshackle building, which in other and
more prosperous days had been dedicated to
the curing of the leaf, did we perceive any
signs of the presence of our antagonists.
They were standing upon the farther side,
directly opposite the door, and both bowed
slightly as we approached. The captain
came toward US slowly.
at is to be greatly regretted. gentle
men, he said, with ceremonious politeness'
that we have no surgeon with US. How
ever neither contestant has any advantage
in this respect. Lieutenant Cation, may
ask if the arrangements as already COM
pIeted have proven satisfactory to your
principal?'
Entirely SOL
Then if you will kindly step this way
a moment we will confer as to certain de-