Iron County register. [volume] (Ironton, Iron County, Mo.) 1867-1965, 1912-04-25
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cessation of hostilities.
/ 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 dissatisfaction:
II trust Captain Wayne is not in
tending to depart without at least a
word with mel"
1t was Brennan. He had entered
unobserved from the second parlor.
Frankly" / responded. 81 hoped 1
might"
Have you forgotten, then, our com
pact, or do you simply elect to ig-
lore it?"
l saw the others exchange quick
glances of amazement, but l answered
coolly:
THE latter superstition Is more
nearly the truth, Major Brennan. l
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 l might have expected
1t. Gentlemen" and he turned to-
ward the ~expectant group, "this nan
and l have a personal grievance Of
long standing unsettled. l have
sought him for months in vain. When
he came last night to VI assistance,
before l yer consented to accept his
services l insisted that no occurrence
of the defense should prevent our
meeting, If we both survived. Now
he endeavors to sneak away like a
whipped cur. l demand satisfaction
at his hands, and If it is refused l
shall denounce him in both armies"
My cheeks burned, but before |
could control myself sufficiently for
answer, Moorehouse spoke.
But, Brennan, see here" he said
anxiously, surely Captain Wayne has
served you well. Is this trouble be-
tween you so serious that no amends
are p~ossible?"
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" l answered. IT am
not even aware that l 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, I care
very little what 1t may be. AS he
has seer fit to denounce me be-
fore officers of my own corps, l should
be extremely glad to meet him upon
that ground alone; but after what we
have just passed through together. l
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 housed" Brennan
broke forth excitedly. You are not a
coward, but l brand you here and now
as a sneak and liar! Now will you
flght?"
We stood for a moment in utter 81
lence, eye to eye, and I knew there
was no help for 1t. These words, pub
licly spoken, left me no choice.
II am at your service, Major Bren-
man," l returned sternly, now or at
any time. But l am unfortunate here
in having no officer Of my army pres
emit, and hence can name no Sec
ond."
Doubtless one Of these gentlemen
will 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.
ut will afford NE pleasure to act
for Captain Wayne" he said clearly,
IF he will accept my services. More.
over" he added, with a significant
glance at Brennan. 81 do this as q