Waterbury evening Democrat., 1906-05-29
Lavender Creighton's
 Lovers By OLIVIA B. STROHM
tcopyrieht, 1905, by Olivia B. s,rohm,.

i Y but more of chagrin. There was a strict rule in the camp against duel- ling, so that if combatant escaped the sword or bullet of his antagonist the guardhouse or loss of rank awaited him. Neither was pleasing prospect, and the soldier had much ado to hide his fear under cloak of bravado. Worse still. the very name of Aaron Burr struck terror to the heart of g , duellist. and this man he had pro- voked was connected with him-per- haps shared his prowess. The thought made him vince. His com panion read his fright under the as- sumption of indifference. Cheer up, old man, if your sword is rusty be careful how you insult Aaron Burr or one of his followers. This man may be spy"
 May be?' tell you he is! Sent Sere ostensibily on the fools errand tD protect these women, but in reality to look the ground over and lay plans for the capture of the fort. It's all as lR13AA 04 Q RlhCSIdn. WOu IdhO U0Ch my word. My sword isn't rusty, and danged if don't prove it tomorrow"
 Winslow left the two men with eyes ablaze. His mouth, usually curved in . ready showing of the white teeth, was set now, and hard. Near the door Hrs. Creighton stopped him: 'Whither Mound, my friend?" she said lightly. Then, as she scrutinized his face: ''Why, how solemn you look. Has any thing happened?"
 Winslow's brow cleared in an at- tempted smile. q am only grieving that I am not that lucky cavalier on Miss Lavender's right. Will you ask her to save the last minuet for me? Command her by your maternal au- thority or shall never get it."
 With this subterfuge he excused him. self and went on to the verandah, glad to be alone.
 Mrs. Creighton slipped along the edge of the circle of dancers until she found . convenient chair in the embrasure where Winslow had encountered the soldiers. She was in time to hear most of the conversation that followed his departure, and her quick wit divined its meaning. A duel! Then Charles had given or received challenge. No matter which were the aggressor, there was not time for blame of argument. A duel! She grasped the arm of the chair for support. Then as the men walked away, she sank to the seat with the final words ringing in-hers ears, My sword isn't rusty, -and- -dahged -Yf l don't prove it tomorrow"
 "To-morrow." Then she had a few hours in which to act. But it might be at sunrise. They usually select the rise or set of sun for such unholy rites," she thought, with shiver of disdain. Her first impulse was to go to Winslow, but that she discarded; ne would think her selfishly fearful lest they lose protector; would believe she was without zeal for his honor. To him. then. she dared not appeal. To his antagonist? Her own spirit rose against the thought. The commander Col Mitchell, himself! To him she must present the case. that he might stop the dreadful hazard. ....
 In the pause between dances she went up to Lavender.
 Save the last minuet for MT. Wins low, daughter" she commanded.
 But, mother, he did not ask me for ft In time; I am engaged to Lieut. Crosby"
 Never mind, break the promise, and when Mir. winslow returns to the room remind him of his dance with you" Then. as the girl drew herself up in Naughty astonishment, T have an es- ptcial reason, dear, for wishing that he remain in the ballroom through the rest of the evening. Detain him if you can"
 She ended with a look of meaning which puzzled Lavender, and made ner nervous and preoccupied for the re- mainder of the dance.
 Mrs. Creighton at once sought out the commander. whom she found en- toying a quiet bottle with some chosen friends. The latter were. however. not . whit disturbed at his departure. since he left the decanters behind.
 Excusing himself. he joined Mrs. Creighton in the anteroom.
 Pardon the interruption. Col. Mitchell: I want 10 consult you on an important matter. have just learned that one of your ofhcers-an aid. I be- iieve-is to fight duel tomorrow"
 A duel7 The devil," roared the col- srel. Then. T beg pardon. ma'am. but -sat in-I mean what on earth are Shey going to do that for, And wao are the fools that hght!"
 "The name of the officer do not know. but.he is the one see frequent iy riding with you in the morning: ne seems a fsvorite of yours" she adda1. wisely.
 West. I'll be bound Why. d-n the rascal. he's the only man on the staff sho can mix q toddy. Egsd. I can't part with West And who's the otEer d. fool7 Er. I beg pardon, who is to be his opponent,-
 My friend. Mir. winslov-
 The colonel gave a low whistle ''TSe deuce you sayl Is he good shot7 Or will they use srOTds7- he asked. car ried away. in spite of discipline, by the soIdier's lust for fighting.
 With a shiver Of disgust Mrs