Yorkville enquirer. [volume] (Yorkville, S.C.) 1855-2006, 1912-03-12
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stairs, and, without removing MS
clothes, threw himself on the bed. He
was worn down to the point Of ex-
lhaustion, yet he could not sleep, though
the deep silence warned him that day
was not far off. What if-but he
would not let the thought shape itself
in his mind. He had witnessed the
Judges skill with the pistol, and he
had even a certain irrational faith in
that gentle2nan's destiny. He prayed
God that Fentress might die quickly
and decently with the judges bullet
through his brain. Over and over In
savage supplication he muttered his
prayer that Fentress might die.
He began to watch for the coming
of the dawn, but before the darkness
lifted he had risen from the bed and
gone down. stairs. where he made him
self a cup of wretched coffee. Then
he blew out his candle and watched
the gray light spread. He was impa-
tient now to be off. and fully an hour
before the sun, set out for Boggs', a
tall, gaunt figure in the shadowy un-
certainty Of that October morning. He
was the first to reach the place of
meeting, but he had scarcely entered
the meadow when Fentress rode up,
attended by Tom Ware. They dis
mounted, and the colonel lifted his
hat Mahaffy barely acknowledged
the salute; he was in no mood for
courtesies that meant nothing. Ware
was clearly of the same mind.
| There was an awkward pause, then
Fentress and Ware spoke together In
a low tone. The planters speech was
broken and hoarse, and his heavy,
bloodshot eyes were the eyes Of a
haunted man; this was all part Of
Fentress' scheme to face the world,
and Ware still believed that the fires
Hicks had kindled had served his des-
perate need.
When the first long shadows stole
out from the edge of the woods Fen
tress turned to Mahaffy, whose glance
was directed toward the distant corner
of 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 detatn
Price," answered Mahaffy.
The colonel and Ware exchanged
looks. Again they spoke together.
while Mahaffy watched the road. Ten
minutes slipped by in this manner,
and once more Fentress addressed
Mahafy.
do you know what could have de-
tained him?" he inquired, the ghost
of smile curling his thin lips.
II don't" said Mahaffy, and relaps-
ed into a moody and anxious silence.
He held dueling in very proper abhor-
ence, and only his feeling Of intense
but never-declared loyalty to his
friend had brought him there.
Another interval Of waiting succeed
ed.
II have about reached the end Of
my patience; 1 shall wait just ten min
utes longer" said Fentress, and drew
out his watch.
Something has happened" began
Mahaffy.
Il have kept my engagement; he
should have kept his" Fentress con-
tinued, addressing Ware. Il am sor-
ry to have brought you here for moth
ing, Tom."
"Wait!" said Mahaffy, planting him
self squarely before Fentress.
Il 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.
Mahaffy exhibited the pistol he had
carried to Belle Plain the day be-
fore.
Step off the ground, Tom" Fen
tress spoke quietly. When Ware had
done as he requested, the colonel spoke
again. You are my witness that
was the victim Of an unprovoked at
tack"
Mr.. Ware accepted this statement
with equanimity, not to say indiffer-
ence.
Are you ready?' he asked; he
glanced at Mahaffy, who by slight
inclination Of the head sgnified that
he was. II reckon you're a green hand
at this sort of thing?" commented Tom
evilly.
Yes" said Mr.. Mahaffy tersely.
We'll, listen: l shall count, one,
two, three; at the word three you will
fire. Now take your positions"
Mahaffy and the colonel stood fac
ing each other, a distance Of twelve
PAGES separating them. Mahaffy was
pale but dogged, he eyed Fentress un-
fiinchingly. Quick on the word Fen
tress fired, an instant later Mahaffy's
pistol exploded; apparently neither
bullet had taken effect, the two men
maintained lne TISlu dttltuue lies Aoo
assumed then Mahaffy was seen to
turn on his heels, next his arm drop
ped to his side and the pistol slipped
from his fingers, look of astonish-
ment passed over his face and left 1t
vacant and staring while his right
hand stole upward toward his heart;
he raised it slowly, with difficulty, as
though it were held down by some in
visible weight.
A hush spread across the field. 1t was
like one of natures invisible transit
Itions. Along the edge Of the woods the
Isong 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 clenched against his chest.
That dead oppressive silence lasted
but a moment, from out Of 1t came