Vilas County news. [volume] (Eagle River, Vilas County, Wis.) 1896-1927, 1912-03-20
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Majors possible entrance at any mo-
ment rendered me extremely uneasy,
and anxious to be away Undoubtedly
this feeling exhibited itself in my man
ner, for Captain Moorehouse said
finally:
II realize your natural anxiety to
be off, Captain Wayne, and while we
should be very glad to keep you with
us indefinitely, yet 1 trust you will
feel perfectly free in the matter"
Il thank you greatly" 1 answered,
rising as l spoke MY duty is of such
nature, and has already been so
long neglected that I feel every mo-
ment of unnecessary delay to be a
crime. l wish you q pleasant return
within your own lines, and an early
cessation of hostilities.
1 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:
Il trust Captain Wayne is not in
tending to depart without at least a
word with me?"
1t. was Brennan. He had entered
unobserved from the second parlor.
Frankly" 1 responded, 81 hoped I
might"
"Have you forgotten, then, our COM
pact, or do you simply elect to ig-
more it?"
I saw the others exchange quick
glances of amazement, but l answered
coolly:
1.-The latter supposition is more
nearly the truth, Major Brennan. I
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
it. Gentlemen" and he turned to-
ward the expectant group, this man
and l have a personal grievance of
long standing unsettled. l have
sought him for months in vain. When
he came last night to our assistance,
before even consented to accept his
services l insisted that no occurrence
of the defense should prevent cur
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
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 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" l answered. 81 am
not even aware that I 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, l 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,
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
coward, but I brand you here and now
as a sneak and liar! Now will you
fight?"
We stood for moment in utter ST.
lence, eye to eye, and I knew there
was no help for it. These words, pub
licly spoken, left me no choice.
Il am at your service, Major Bren-
man," l returned sternly, now or at