Audubon County journal. (Exira, Iowa) 1884-1993, 1912-03-07

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attitude against the side of the build
ing, his eyes fastened upon the ground,
the blue smoke of cigar curled laz-
lily above his head. 1 glanced toward
MIN, and then sought to amuse myself
watching the queer antics of gray
squirrel on the fence rail beyond.
telt no desire for further thought, only
an intense anxiety for them to hurry
the preliminaries, and have the affair
settled as speedily as possible. I was
aroused by Warehouses; rather nasal
Eoice.
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
rome opposite the Majors position"
noted Brennan throw away the
stump of his cigar, and then l walked
slowly forward until reached the
point assigned me. My heart was beat
Ing fast now, for l fully realized the
probabilities of the next few minutes,
and felt little doubt that serious in
Jury, If not death, was to be my por-
ton. Yet my trained nerves did not
tail me, and outwardly 1 appeared
FULLY as cool and deliberate as my op-
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
Il ho1 ~,
5 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-
lty with which he confronted me.
How peculiar the mind often op-
crates in such moments of exciting
suspense. 1 recall remarking a very
slight stoop in Brennan's shoulders
which 1 had never perceived before,
remember wondering where Moore
house had ever discovered tailor to
give SO shocking fit to his coat, and
finally I grew almost interested in
two birds perched upon the limb of
tree opposite where stood. even
smiled to myself over a jest one Of
before. Yet with it all l remained
keenly observant and fully aware of
each movement made by the others on
the field. saw Cation accept the der
finger handed him and test it 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 it's
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." l answered, taking
the derringer from him, and examining
it with some curiosity, "but shall do
as I 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?" 1 questioned.
II do; are you ready?"
Perfectly"
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 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 waverine
from me. l knew he was coolly, de
liberately measuring the distance be
tween us 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
Il am" said Brennan.
Ready" replied.
''The word will be one, two, three
fire: with a slight pause after the
three. A report from either pistol be