The Blackfoot optimist. [volume] (Blackfoot, Idaho) 1907-1918, 1912-08-19

felt no desire for further thought, only
an intense anxiety for them to hurry
the preliminaries, and have the affair
settled as speedily as possible. was
aroused by Moorehouse's rather nasal
voice.
Gentlemen. will you please take
your positions. Major Brennan. you
will stand three PAGES to the right
of that sapling. facing directly south.
Captain Wayne. kindly walk straight
west from the shed door until you
come opposite the Majors position
noted Brennan throw away the
stump Of his cigar. and then walked
slowly forward until l reached the
point assigned me. My heart was beat
Ing fast now, for fully realized the
probabilities Of the next few minutes.
and felt little doubt that serious in.
jury, II not deatfN was to be my Dor,
ton. Yet my trained nerves did not
fail me. and outwardly appeared
fully as cool and deliberate as my Oh
ponent. Years of constant exposure to
peril In every form had yielded me
grim philosophy of fatalism that now
stood me in most excellent stead In.
deed, l doubt not. had I chosen to nut
1t to the test. my hand would have
proven the steadier Of the two. for
Brennan's face was flushed, and he
plainly exhibited the intense animos-
tty with which he confronted me-
How peculiar the mind often on.
or In -
suspense. recall remarking a very
slight stoop In Brennans shoulders
which had never perceived before.
| remember wondering where Moore.
house mad ever discovered a tailor to
give so shocking fit to his coat. and
finally grew almost interested in
two birds perched upon the limb Of
tree opposite where stood. / even
smiled to myself over a jest one Of
the young officers had made an hour
before. Yet with 1t all remained
keenly observant and fully aware Of
each movement made by the others on
the Held. | saw Cation accept the der
ringer handed him and test it care
fuily, the long. slim. blue barrel look
ing deadly enough as he held it up be-
tween me and the sky Then Moore
house approached Brennan with its
Fellow In his grasp, and the Lieutenant
crossed over. and stood beside me.
Here is the gun. Wayne" he
side. and sincerely hope you
have changed your decision. There is
no mercy in Brennan's eyes"
So | notice." | answered, taking
the derringer from him. and examining
1t with some curiosity. but shall do
as said. nevertheless. 1t is not any
sentiment of mercy feel which spares
him. but duty that appeals to me
even more strongly than hate"
by Heaven. wish it were other
wise"
Who gives the word?" questioned.
Il do; are you ready?"
Perfectly"
held out my hand, and his fingers
closed upon 1t with warm. friendly
grip. The next moment Brennan and
l stood. seemingly alone. facing each
other. as motionless as two statues.
His coat was buttoned to the throat,
his cap-visor pulled low over his eyes,
his pistol hand hanging straight down
'at his side, his gaze never wavering
from me- knew he was coolly. de-
liberately measuring the distance be-
tween JUS with as deadly purpose as
any murderer. The almost painful
stiffness was broken by Cation. and
marked the tremor in his voice.
Are you both ready, gentlemen"
II am" said Brennan
Ready" l replied
The word will be one, two, three
fire; with a slight pause after the
three. A report from either pistol be-
fore the final word Is spoken shall
take personally. Be prepared now"
Ready" said the voice once more;
and as | saw Brennan's arm slowly
rise, ! lifted mine also. and covered
him. noting, as did so. almost in won.
der. with what steadiness of nerve
and wrist | held the slender gauge
just bene ath the visor of his cap De-
liberately. as though he dreaded the
necessity. Cation counted:
One; two: three-fire!"
My pistol exploded. the charge str,k-
ing the limb above him, and | stag
gered backward. my hat torn from my
head. white line cut through my hair
and thin trickle OF blood upon my
temple. saw Cation rushing toward |
me. his face filed with ANXIETY. and /
then Brennan hurled his yet smoking
derringer into the dirt at his feet with |
an oath.
ITO BE CONTINrED)