Lawrence democrat. (Lawrenceburg, Tenn.) 1884-1925, 1912-06-26

ton. Yet my trained nerves did not
fail me. and outwardly appeared
fully as cool and deliberate as my op-
ponent Years OF constant exposure 10
peril In every form had yielded me a
grim philosophy of fatalism that now
stood me in most excellent stead. In.
deed | doubt not, had / chosen 20 put
II to the test, my hand would have
proven the steadier Of the two, for
Brennan's face was flushed, and ho
plainly exhibited the intense animos-
lty with which he confronted me.
How peculiar the mind often op-
crates in such moments Of exciting
suspense. recall remarking a very
slight stoop in Brennan's shoulders
which had never perceived before,
I remember wondering where Moore
house mad ever discovered a tailor to
give so shocking a At TO his coat, and
finally ! grew llmost interested in
two birds perched cDOo the limb OF
tree opposite where ] stood. even
smiled to myself over a Jest one OF
the young officers had made an hour
before Yet with 1t all | remained
keenly obseryant and fully aware OF
each movement made by the others on
the field. saw Cation accept the der
ringer handed him and test II care
fully, the long, slim, blue barrel look
ing deadly enough as he held II up be-
tween me and the sky. Then Moore
house approached Brennan with its
fellow in his grasp, and the Lieutenant
! crossed over. and stood beside me.
Here is the gun, Wayne" he
said, land l sincerely hope you
have changed your decision. There is
no mercy In Brennan's eyes"
so | notice" | answered, taking
the derringer from him, and examining
1t with some curiosity, but | shall do
as | said, nevertheless. 1t is not any
sentiment of mercy feel which spares
him, but a duty that appeals to me
even more strongly than hate"
by Heaven. wish It were other
wise"
who gives the word?" I questioned
Il do; are you ready?"
Perfectly"
! held out my hand, and his fingers
closed upon It with warm, friendly
grip. The next moment Brennan and
| stood, seemingly alone, facing each
other, as motionless as two statues
His coat was buttoned to the throat
his cap-Fisor pulled low over his eyes
his pistol hand hanging straight dowI
at his side, his gaze never waverinl
from me knew he was coolly, de
liberately measuring the distance be
tween us with as deadly a purpose al
any murderer The almost painful
stiffness was broken by Cation, and
marked the tremor in his voice.
Are you both ready, gentlemen
81 am" said Brennan.
Ready" l replied.
THE word will be one, two, three
fire; with a slight pause after tn,
three. A report from either pistol be
fore the final word is spoken l shall
take personally. Be prepared now"
Ready" said the voice once more
and as | saw Brennan's arm slowl
rise, lifted mine also, and covere
him, noting, as did so, almost in wor
der, with what steadiress of nerv
and wrist l held the Blender gaug
= just beneath the visor oF his cap. d.
liberately, as though he dreaded tn
= necessity, Cation counted:
| "One; two; three-fre!"
My pistol exploded, the charge stril
7 ing the limb above him, and stat
gered backward, my hat torn from m
? head. white line cut through my hal
? and thin trickle of blood upon m
r temple. l saw Cation rushing towar
8 me, his face filled with anxiety, an
l then Brennan hurled his yet smokin
derrlnger into the dirt at his feet wit
e an oath.
n (TO pE CONTTNJTEDN