Evening times-Republican. [volume] (Marshalltown, Iowa) 1890-1923, 1911-10-26
CHAPTER xxxv.

deadly combat It was no fear of
personal injury that troubled me: in.
deed do not recall giving this the
slightest consideration, for my mind
was altogether concentrated upon what
such meeting must necessarily mean
to Edith Brennan, and how it would
affect our future relationship. This
was the thought that swayed and mas.
tered me. had pledged myself to
avoid him, and indeed had used every
means possible to that end. Tho tins
was mono too long. yet my mind once
thoroughly settled as to my duty ia
her, became calm again. and conf.
dent in the outcome. When Cation
entered, flushed and visibly excited
from what had evidently proven an ac.
rimonious controversy, ! greeted him
with q smile.
"You appear to have experienced DIFF.
dculties In regard to Details" said
curiously.
There was much unr necessary talk, :"
he admitted, but matters have been
at last arranged to the satisfaction Of
all concerned. You are to meet 1t
once, In the rear Of the big tobacco
shed, q spot entirely removed from OBJ.
servation. have been compelled ia
accept pistols a. the weapons. as We
have nothing else here at all suitable
for the purpose-cavalry sabers being
far too cumbersome. Lieutenant Starr
chances to possess two derringers ex.
sctly alike. which We have mutually
agreed upon. hope this is satisfac.
tory to you, Wayne?''
Il am not precisely an expert, but
that does not greatly matter. Who acts
for Brennan"
Captain Moorehouse, rather against
his will, think"
Very well, Cation; I am perfectly
satisfied, and am, indeed. greatly
Obliged to you; yet before We 60 out
l desire to speak a word or two with
the utmost frankness." stood facing
him, my hand resting lightly upon
the writing table. my eyes reading his
expressive face. As my second I wish
you to comprehend fully my actions.
and tho motives that inspire them. II
they are in any way unsatisfactory to
your mind you may feel 1T perfect lib
erty to withhold your services. am
now, and always have been. opposed
to duelins: I believe It wrong in prin-
ciple. and . travesty upon Justice: but
1t il . custom Of the South. Q require
raent among officers Of our army, and
after what has Just occurred between
Major Brennan and myself I cannot
honorably refuse any longer to 80 out.
Major Brennan has deliberately placed
mo in a position where cannot avoid
meeting him without losing all stand
Ing in my corps. sought to escape.
but was prevented by accident; now
I simply yield to the inevitable. I
feel confident you will not misconstrue
:ese words; you surely know me SUI.
flciently we'll 50 &. not to attribute
them to cowardics. I shall face him ex.
actly in accordance with your ar.
rangements, asking nothing upon my
part, yielding him every satisfaction
he can possibly desire-but shall
IRE in the air.
He stared at me incredulously, his
face q perfect picture Of amazement.
But, Wayne" he stammered. ARE you
aware that Major Brennan is an ex.
pert with the pistol? that he holds the
Sixth Corps trophy? Do you realize
that he goes out deliberately intending
to kill your
81 was not posted as to the first fact
you mention. but have never enter.
tanned the slightest doubt as to the
other. However, they do not In the
least affect my decision. Yet do not
desire you to suppose that I am at all
quixotic In this-there is . personal
reason why l am perfectly willing to
risk my life rather than injure Major
Brennan"
His troubled eyes studied rue intent
~. and then his face suddenly bright
ened with new thought. Wayne"
he asked, placing his hand uron nay
arm familiarly. "is 1t Mrs. Brsnnan 90
For IN instant I hesitated. but his
manly, honest countenance treasured
me. Between us only. 1t is." I an
swered gravely; "but not the slightest
blame attaches to he-."
ri do not wholly understand" he
sai1 at last. yet I do not doubt you
may BE- perfectly right in your de-
cision.' He extended his hand Inn
pulsively. II know you to be q good
soldier and . true gentleman; will
stand by you. Wayne. but pledge this
III he takes advantage treacherous-
". and you fall Gas God forbid!) will
face him myself; and when do, there
will be no firing In the air."
I do not remember that We spoke,
save once. while We passed out
through the orchard field wher6 the
big tobacco shed stood. Not until We
turned the corner Of the great ram.
shackle building, which In other and
more prosperous days had been dedi.
GATED to the curing Of the leaf. did
We perceive any signs of the presence
Of our antagonists. They were stand.
ing upon the further side. directly op.
posite the door. and both bowed slight.
u - We approached The Captain
came toward 40 slowly.
TT = to be greatly resfetted, gsn.
tlsmeu. he Said with cekcmonioGs %,