Vernon County censor. [volume] (Viroqua, Wis.) 1865-1955, 1912-03-06
WdTMN LlpC eco


cessation of aostilities.
had shaken hands with them all,
and turned toward the door, congratu-
lating myself on escaping thus easily.
when a new voice broke suddenly in
upon my self-satisfaction:
Il trust Captain Wayne is not In
tending TO depart without at least a
word with me?"
II was Brennan He had entered
unobseryed from the second parlor.
Frankly" | responded Il hoped !
might"
Have you forgotten. then, Our com
pact or do you simply elect to ig
more it,"
saw the others exchange quick
glances Of amazement, but answered
coolly:
The latter supposition is more
nearly the truth. Major Brennan !
felt that after what we have just
passed through together we could
both afford to ignore the past. and
consequently was hoping to escape
without again encountering you"
Indeed" he exclaimed. sarcastic
ally But might have expected
IT, Gentlemen" ard he turned to-
ward the expectant group, "this man
and have a perEonal grievance Of
long standing unsettled have
sought him for months in vain. When
he came last night to our assistance
before ! even consented to accept his
services I insisted thai no occurrence
Of the defense should prevent our
meeting. II we both survived Now
he endeavors to sneak away like a
whipped cur demand satisfaction
at his hands. and If il Is refused /
shall denounce him In both armies.
My cheeks burned. but before /
could control myself sufficiently for
answer. Moorchouse spoke
But. Brennan. see here" he said
anxiously. surely Captain Wayne has
served you we'll Is this trouble be
tween you so serious that no amends
are possible?
None. short Of a personal meet.
ing"
Captain" and the perplexed fed.
eral commander turned toward me.
have you any word Of explanation in
this unfortunate AFFAIR.""
Very little" answered. Il am
not even aware that ! have done in
jury to Major Brennan. purposely or
otherwise He has not so much as
honored me with information as to his
cause of complaint However. | care
very little what It may be. As he
has seen fit to denounce me be-
fore officers OF my own corps. should
be extremely glad to meet him upon
that ground alone; but after what we
have just passed through together. I
felt ready TO blot out these past DIFF.
ferences. Whatever they may have
been they are not liable to occur
again. nor we TO meet"
They have occurred again since you
have been in this house," Brennan
broke forth excitedly You are not a
coward but / brand you here and now
as a sGGak aad liar! Now viii you
fight?"
We stood for moment in utter 81.
lence, eye TO eye. and | knew there
vas no help for IT, These words. pub
licly spoken. left me no choice.
u am at your service. Major Bren-
nan" returned sternly. now or at
any time. But am unfortunate here
in having no officer of my army pres
emit and hence can name no sec
ond"
Doubtless one Of these gentlemen
viii consent to serve" he said. his
face Frightening at my rejoinder.
Some one hastily pushed a way TO
the front. and Lieutenant Cation, pale
but determined, stood at my shoulder.
IT will afford me pleasure to act
for Captain Wayne he said clearly.
III he win accept my services More
over" he added, with a significant
glance at Brennan Il do this as a