The diamond drill. (Crystal Falls, Iron County, Mich.) 1887-1996, 1906-07-14

A duell She grasped the arm OF the
chair for support. Then as the men
walked away. she sank 10 tho seat with
the final words ringing In her ears,
My sword isn't rusty. and DANCED N
! don't prove II tomorrow"
Tomorrow" Then she had few
hours In which 10 act But Il might ne
at sunrise. They usually select the
rise or set OF sun for such unholy
rites" she thought, with shiyer OF
disdain. Her first impulse was TO go
to Winslow. but that she discarded; ne
would think her selfishly fearful lSst
they lose a protector; would believe
she was without zeal for his honor.
To him, then, she dared not appeal. To
his antagonists 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 10 Lavender.
Save the last minuet for Mr.. Wins
low, daughter" she commanded.
but. mother, he did not ask me for
II in time; ! am engaged TO Lieut.
Crosby"
Never mind. break the promise, and
when Mr.. Winslow returns TO the room
remind him OF his dance with you"
Then. as the girl drew herself up in
naughty astonishment. II have an es-
pecial reason. dear. for wishing that he
remain in the ballroom through the
rest OF the evening. Detain him II
you can"
She ended with a look OF meaning
which puzzled Lavender. end made ner
nervous and preoccupied for the re-
mainder OF the dance.
Mrs. Creighton at once sought cut
the commander. whom she found en-
joying a quiet bottle with some chosen
friends. The latter were, however, not
a whit disturbed at his departure, since
he left the decanters behind.
Excuslng himself, he joined Mrs.
Creighton in the anteroom.
Pardon the interruption. Col.
MITCHELL | want to consult you on an
important matter. have just learned
that one OF your ofiicers-an aid. | be-
Levels TO fight duel tomorrow"
"a duel? The dewitt" roared the col
onel. Then, II beg pardon, ma'am, but
what in--I mean what on earth are
they going to do that for? And VINO
are the fools that flght?"
"The name OF the officer do not
know, but he is the one | see frequent
ly riding with you in the morning; ne
seems favorite of yours" she added,
wisely.
West. I'll be bound. Why. d-n the
rascal. he's the only man on the staff
who can mix teddy. Egad, ! can't
part with West Aud who's the otner
d. fool? Er, beg pardon, who is to
be his opponents"
"My friend Mr.. Winslow."
The colonel gave low whistle. The
deuce you sayl Is he good shot? or
will they use swords?" he asked, car
ried away. in spite OF discipline, by the
soldiers lust for fighting.
With shiyer of disgust. Mrs.
Creighton replied. quickly;
with neither, hope. rely upon you
for the honor of the garrison, no less
than for the sake Of humanity, TO stop
this miserable affair"
Yes, on. yes-or course; II must not
be permitted: Il shall not proceed, " he
declared. pompously, warming TO a
sense OF his own threatened dignity.
Mrs. Creighton told all she knew, add
ing: II heard no particulars, and am
only sure OF the one fact, that Mr.. Wins
low was the challenger, and that the
soldler-Mr West. as you say. called
him a spy. There was, probably, too,
some allusion to Aaron Burr, which my
friend construed as an insult. CLEAN,
further, that this Mr.. West is suspicious
OF our presence here at the fort. This
idea. groundless as II Is, we must take
swift pains 20 remedy"
The last sentence, with its slight
touch OF hauteur, failed 10 impress the
commander, who, fussing and Tuning,
gave few sharp orders to subordlnates.
Then he turned TO her:
II am much Obliged to you, Mrs.
Creighton. for this information. The
ball is nearly over. have given orders
for the appearance In this room, at It's
close. OF the parties concerned. DO you
care TO wait here and see the resultY"
Mrs Creighton kept her seat, await
ing developments.
The colonel excused himself, and for
a few moments she sat alone watching
the door. IL was suddenly opened-the
man whom she heard denouncing Wins
low entered. and after him his compan-
ion. The former, unaware of her pres
ence, gave vent to volley OF conjectures
as TO the cause OF the summons.
Upon discovery OF the ladys pres
ence he flung himself down. mutterine
/ low
Shortly after, winslow appeared in
the doorway, with Lavender on his arm
why, mother" the latter said, gayly
how solemn you lookl And Lieut.
West? All. then. perhaps we are called
as witnesses In court-martial?"
But. subdued by the tense. expectani
air OF the others, she took a seat in won.
dering silence.
In the midst OF an oppressive pause
| the rofapcl onforad