The News-Herald. [volume] (Hillsboro, Highland Co., Ohio) 1886-1973, 1912-02-22

you appear to have experienced diff
fculties in regard to Details" ] said
curiously.
There was much unnecessary talk"
he admitted, but matters have been
at last arranged to the satisfaction Of
all concerned. You are to meet at
once, in the rear of the big tobacco
shed. a 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--cavalry sabers being
far too cumbersome. Lieutenant starr
chances to possess two derringers ex-
actly alike which we have mutually
agreed upon. hope this is satisfac-
tory to you, Wagner"
"I 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; l am perfectly
satisfied, and am, indeed, greatly
obliged to you yet before we go out
l desire to speak word or two with
the utmost frankness." l stood facing
him, my hand resting lightly upon
the writing table, my eyes reading his
expressive face. AS my second wish
you to comprehend fully my actions,
and the motives that inspire them. II
they are in any way unsatisfactory to
your mind Jou may feel at perfect lib
erty to withhold your services. am
now, and always have been, opposed
to duellng; | believe 1t wrong in prin-
ciple, and travesty upon justice; but
1t Is a custom of the South, 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, | sought to escape.
but was prevented by accident; now
| simply yield to the inevitable.
feel confident you will not misconstrue
ese words; you surely know me suf
flciently well so as not to attribute
them to cowardice. 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
FIRE in the air."
He stared at me incredulously, his
,ace a perfect picture OF amazement
But. Wayne" he stammored, ARE yot
aware that Major Brennan is an ex
rer, with the pistol? that he holds thu
Sixth Corps trophy? DO YOU reaIz,
hat he goes out deliberately intending
kill your"
81 was not posted as to the frst fac
YOU mention. but have never enter
talned the slightest doubt as to tn,
ther However, they do not in th,
east affect my decision. Yet do no
lesire you to suppose that | am at al
ruiXotic In this-there is a persona
eason why am perfectly willing t
fisk my life rather than injure Majo
Brennan"
His troubled eyes studied me intent
ly. and then his face suddenly bright
ened with a new thought Wayne,
he asked. placing his hand upon m,
arm familiarly. "is II Mrs Brennan?
For an instant hesitated, but hi
manly. honest countenance reassure,
me. Between us only, II is." | an
swered gravely: but not the slightes
blame attaches TO her"
81 do not wholly understand" h
said at last yet do not doubt yo
may be perfectly right in your dc
cision." lie extended his hand in
pulsively Il know you to be goo
soldier and n true gentleman; | wi
stand by You Wayne, but pledge thi
If he takes advantage treacheroui
ly, and you fall (as God forbid!) wi
face him myself; and when | do, ther
: will be no firing in the air"
ITO Be Continued)
: AS possible substitute for cottoT