Martinsburg statesman-democrat. [volume] (Martinsburg, W. Va.) 1906-1921, 1912-02-02
CHAPTER xxxv,
The Last Resort Of Gentlemen.


found the library deserted, and
before Cation appeared. Stung as
had been by Brennans harsh, uncall.
editor words, | yet shrank from the
thought that must now meet him in
deadly combat. 1t was no fear OF
personal injury that troubled me; In.
deed | do not recall giving this the
slightest consideration, for my mind
was altogether concentrated upon what
such meeting must necessarily mean
to Edith Brennan, and how it would
affect our future relationship. This
was the thought that swayed and mas
tered me. / had pledged myself to
avoid him. AMI indeed had used every
means possible to that end. The time
was none too long, yet my mind once
thoroughly settled as to my duty to
her, became calm again, and conf.
dent in the outcome When Cation
entered. flushed and visibly excited
from what had evidently proven an ac.
rimonious controversy, / greeted him
with a smile.
you appear to have experienced diff
ficulties 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, 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 pTpose-cavalry sabers being |
far too cumbersome. Lieutenant Starr |
chances to possess two derringers ex-
actly alike. which we have mutually I
agreed upon. hope this is satisfac.
tory to you, Wagner"
Il am not precisely an expert, but
that does not greatly matter Who acts
for Brennan"
Captain Moorehouse, rather against
his will, l think"
Very well, Cation; I 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" i 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 you may feel at perfect lib
erty to withhold your services. l am
now, and always have been, opposed
to dueling; 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.
out was prevented by accident; now
I simply yield to the inevitable IL
feel confident you will not misconstrue
sese words; you surely know me suf-
hciently well so as not to attribute
them to cowardice / 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 1 shall
fire in the air."
He stared at me incredulously, his
face perfect picture of amazement.
But, Wayne" he stammered, "are you
aware that Major Brennan is an ex-
pert with the pistol? that he holds the {
Sixth Corps trophy? Do you realize
that he goes out deliberately intending
to kill your Il
was not posted as to the first fact
you mention, but have never enter
tanned the slightest doubt as to the
other. However, they do not liz the !
least affect my decision. Yet do not
desire you to suppose that am at all
quixotic in this-there is a personal !
reason why I am perfectly willing to I
risk my life rather than injure Major
Brennan"
His troubled eyes studied me intent
~ and then his face suddenly bright
ened with new thought. Wayne"
ne asked. placing his hand upon my Z
arm familiarly, "is it Mrs. Brennan?"
For en- instant I hesitated. but his
manly, honest countenance treasured !
me. between us only, it is an.
s"erea e-2yeixi hut not the slightest