Dakota farmers' leader. (Canton, S.D.) 1890-19??, 1912-05-31

ton. Yet my trained rye did NOT
fail me, and outwardly appeared
fully as cool and deliberate as my op
bponent. Years of constant exposure to
peril in every form had yielded me a
grim philosophy Of fatalism that now
stood me in most excellent stead. In.
deed, ! doubt not, had l chosen to put
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-
ity with which lie confronted me.
How peculiar the mind often op-
crates in such moments OF exciting
suspense. l recall remarking a very
slight stoop in Brennan's shoulders
which l had never perceived before.
l remember wondering where Moore
house mad ever discovered a tailor to
give so shocking a fit to his coat, and
finally l grew almost interested in
two birds perched upon the limb Of
a tree opposite where | stood. / even
smiled to myself over a jest one OF
the young officers had made an hour
before. Yet with it all | remained
keenly observant and fully aware OF
each movement made by the others on
the field. | saw Cation accept the der
ringer handed him and test 1t care
fully, 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.
"Hnrn &c fhn nv, wv -, ~ hn
said, land l sincerely hope you
have changed your decision. There Is
no mercy in Brennan's eyes"
so l notice." l answered, taking
the derringer from him. and examining
it with some curiosity. but I shall do
as l said, nevertheless. 1t is not n
sentiment of mercy l feel which spares
him. but a duty that appeals to me
even more strongly than hate"
by Heaven. ! wish it were other
WISE"
"Who gives the word?" I questioned.
Il do: are o ready?"
Perfectly"
I held out my hand, and his fingers
closed upon it with warm, friendly
grip. The next moment Brennan and
I stood. seemingly alone. facing each
other, as m%otionless as two statues.
His coat was buttoned to the throat,
his c%ap-visor pulled low cver his eyes.
his pistol hand hanging straight down
at his side. his gaze never wavering
from me. knew he was cco,ly, de-
liberately measuring the distance be-
tween US with as deadly q purpose as
any murderer. The almost painful
stiffness vas broken by Cation. and I
marked the tremor in his voice
Are you both ready. gentlemen!"
Il am" said Brennan.
Ready" I 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 rs I saw Brennan's arm slowly
rise. lifted mine also. and covered
him, noting, as l did so, almost In won
der, with what steadiness OF nerve
and wrist l held the slender gauge
just beneath the visor Of his cap. De.
liberately. as though he dreaded the
necessity. Cation counted:
"'One; two; three-nre!"
Ny pistol exploded. the charge strik-
ing the limb above him, and | stag.
gered backward. my hat torn from my
head, a white line cut through my hair
and Q thin trickle Of blood upon my
temple. saw Cation rushing toward
me. his face filled with anxiety. and
then Brennan hurled his yet smoking
derringer into the dirt at his feet with
an oath.
RIO RE cONrINr1EDl