The Washington herald. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1906-1939, 1911-11-19

the field. where he knew his friend must
FIRST appear.
Why are We waiting, sir?'' he de-
manded, his tone cold and formal
Something has occurred to detain
Price, answered Mahaffy.
The colonel and Ware exchanged
looks. Again they spoke together, while
Mahaffy watched the road. Ten min
utes slipped by in.this manner, and once
more Fentress addressed Mahaffy. -,
DO you know what could have de-
tanned him." he inquired, the ghost of a
smile curling his thin lips.
Il don't" said Nahaffy, and relapsed
into Il moody and anxious silence. He
held dueling in very proper adherence,
and only his feeling OF intense but never
declared loyalty 20 his friend had brought
him there.
Another interval Of waiting succeeded.
Il have about reached the end OF my
patrence; shall wait just ten minutes
longer" said Fentress, and drew out his
watch.
Something has happened" began
Mahaffy.
Il have kept my engagement; he
should have kept his" Fentress contin-
ued, addressing Ware. Il am sorry to
have brought you here for nothing,
Tom"
Wait" said Mahaffy. planting him.
self squarely before Fentress.
II consider this comic episode at an
end" and Fentress pocketed his watch
Scarcely rejoined Mahaffy. His
long arm shot out and the open palm
Of his hand descended on the coloners
face. Il am here for my friend" he
said grimly.
The coloners face paled and colored
by turns
Have YOU a weapon he asked,
WHEN he could command his voice. Ma
hairy exhibited the pistol he had car
ried to Belle Plain the day before.
Step off the ground, Tom Fen
tress spoke quietly. When Ware had
done as requested, the colonel spoke
again. You are my witness that l was
the victim of an unprovoked attack"
Mr.. Ware accepted this statement
with equanimity. not to say Indifference.
Are you ready?" he asked: he glanced
at Mahatfy. who by a slight inclination
5of the head signified that he was. Il
reckon you're a green hand at this sort
of thing" commented Tom evilly.
Yes" said Mahaffy tersely.
well, listen: shall count one, two,
three: at the word three you will fire.
Now take your positions"
Mahaffy and the colonel stood facing
each other, a distance of twelve PAGES
separating them. Mahaffy was pale but
dogged; he eyed Fentress unflinchingly.
Quick on the word Fentress fired, an
| in Siant later Mahaffy's pistol exploded
apparently neither bullet had taken ef-
feet, the two men maintained the rigid
| attitude they had assumed; then Ma
haffy was seen to turn on his heels. next
his arm dropped to. his side and the
pistol slipped from his fingers, look OF
astonishment passed over his face and
left il vacant and staring while his right
hand stole up toward his heart; he raised
It slowly, with difficulty, as though 1T
were held down by some invisible weight.
A hush spread across the field. 1t was
like one of natures invisible transitions.
Along the edge of the woods the song
of birds was stricken into silence. Ware,
heavy-eyed-Fentress, his lips twisted by
a tortured SMILE watched Mahaffy as he
painted for breath. with his hand clench-
ed against his chest. That dead Cypress
i've silence lasted but q moment; from
out of il came a cry that smote on the
wounded mans ears and reached his con-
seriousness. ..'. 80. - g.
It's Price," he gasped. his words
bathed in blood. and he pitched forward
on his face.
Ware and Fentress had heard the cry.
too, and running 10, their horses threw
themselves into the saddle and galloped
off. The Judge, midway of the meadow,
I
roared out a furious protest, but the
mounted men turned into the highroad
and vanished from sight, and the judge
shaking legs bore him swiftly In the di-
rection of the gaunt Jdgure on the ground.
Aiahaffy struggled to rise. for he was
hearing his friends voice now, the voice
OF after anguish. calling his name. At
last painful effort brought him to his
knees. He saw the Judge. clothed prin-
4 cfpally in a gayly colored oedqlilt, hat
less and shoeless, his face sodden and
bIeary from his nights debauch. Ma
hairy stood erect and staggered toward
him, his hand over his wound, his fea-
lures drawn and livid, then with a cry
he dropped at his friends feet
solomon! solomon And the judge
knelt beside him.
.'Its all right. Price; I kept your ap-
pointment," whispered Mahaffy; a bloody
spume was gathering on shis lips. and
he stared up at his friend with CLASSY
eyes. -
l ro BE CONTINUED To-MoRRowr