The Calhoun chronicle. [volume] (Grantsville, W. Va.) 1883-1984, 1912-04-16

""S @AlObttneT concentrated upon what
such meeting must necessarily near
to Edith Brennan, and how it won d
ahect our future relationship. This
was the thought that swayed and mas.
tered me. l had pledged myself 10
avoid him, and indeed had used every
means possible to that end. The tlmo
was none too long yet my mind once
thoroughly settled as TO my duty 20
her, became calm again. and coul.
dent i'm the outcome. When Cation
entered, flushed and visibly excited
from what had evidently proven an &C.
rimonlous controversy, l greeted him
with Il smile.
you appear to have experienced diff
hculties in regard to details" l said
curiousiy.
There was much unnecessary talk I"
he admitted, but matters have been
at last arranged TO the satisfaction Of
all concerned. You are to meet az
once, IN the rear of the big tobacco
shed. spot entirely removed from OBJ
servation. ! have been compelled to
accept pistols as the weapons, as we
have nothing else here at all suitable
FOR the purpose-cayalry sabers being
far too cumbersome. Lieutenant Starr
chances to possess two derringers cx-
actly alike, which we have mutually
agreed upon. l hope this is satisfac-
tory to you, Wayne?"
II am not precisely an expert. but
that does not greatly matter. Who acts
for Brennan"
Captain Moorehouse, rather against
his VIII, think"
Very well, Cation; l am perfectly
satisfied, and am, indeed, greatly
obliged to you; yet before we go out
! desire to speak a word or two with
the utmost franllness." l stood facing
him. my hand resting lightly upon
the writing table, my eyes reading his
expressive face. AS my second w sh
you to comprehend fully my actions.
and the motives that inspire them. IL
they are in any way unsatisfactory to
your mind you may feel at perfect lib
erty TO withhold your services. am
now, and always have been, opposed
to dueling; l believe it wrong in prin-
ciple, and travesty upon justice; but
1t Is custom of the South, a require
ment among officers OF our army. and
after what has just occurred between
Major Brennan and myself l cannot
honorably refuse any longer to go out.
Major Brennan has deliberately placed
me in a position where / cannot avoid
meeting him without losing all stand
ing in my corps. l sought to escape,
but was prevented by accident; now
I simply yield to the Inevitable I
feel confident YOU viii not misconst rue
Csc words; you surely know me 3uf-
ticiently well so as not to attril ute
them to cowardice | shall face him ex-
actly in accordance with your ar
rangements, asking nothing upon my
part, yielding him every satisfaction
he can possibly deslre-but | shall
fire in the air"
He stared at me incredulously, his
race a perfect picture OF amazement.
But, Wayne" he stammered, ARE you
aware that Nj or Brennan is an ex-
pert with the pistol? that he holds the
Sixth Corps trophy? DO you realize
that he goes out deliberately Intending
20 kill you?"
! was not posted as to the first fact
YOU mention, but have never enter
tained the slightest doubt as to the
Their. However, they do not in the
least affect my decision. Yet | do not
desire you TO suppose that am at all
quiXotic in this-there is a personal
reason why l am perfectly willing to
risk my life rather than injure Major
Brennan"
His troubled eyes studied me intent
ly, and then his face suddenly bright
ened with new thought Wayne"
he asked. placing his hand upon my
arm Familiarity, "is It Mrs Brennan"
Tor an instant I hesitated. but his
manly, honest countenance treasured
me. Between us only, it is" | an
sWored gravely; but not the slightest
blame attaches to her"
IL do not wholly understand" he
said at last. yet 1 do not doubt you
may be perfectly right in your de-
cision." He extended his hand i'm
puI5iyely. 81 know you to be a good
soldier and true gentleman: I will
stand by you, Wayne, but ! pledge this
If he takes advantage treacherous-
~, and you fall Gas Cod forbidD l will
face him myself and when do, there
will be no firing in the air"
do not remember that we spoke.
save once while we passed out
through the orchard field where the
big tobacco shed stood. Not until we
turned the corner of the great ram.
shaclde 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
~ as we approached The Captain
came toward us slowly
ut is to be greatly regretted gen
uemen," he said, with ceremonious DO
likeness, that we have no surgeon
with us. However. neither contestant
has any advantage I'm this refpect.
Lieutenant Cation. may I ask If the ar
rangemeuts as already completed have
proven satisfactory to your prlnci
pal?"
Entirely so."
Then If you VIII kindly step this
way @ moment we Will confer as TO
certain details"