The Hope pioneer. [volume] (Hope, N.D.) 1882-1964, 1912-02-29
R 81.


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 of, 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" l answered,
rising as I spoke. my duty is Of such
a nature, and has already been so
long neglected that l feel every mo.
ment of: unnecessary delay to be q
crime. l wish you a pleasant return
within your own lines. and an early
cessation of hostilities.
l 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 self-satisfaction:
II trust Captain Wayne is not in.
tending to depart without at least 8
word with me?"
It was Brennan. He had entered
unobserved from the second parlor.
Frankly" l responded, 81 hoped.
might :
Have you forgotten, then. our com
pact. or do you simply elect to ig
more it,"
/ saw the others exchange quick
glances of amazement. but 1 answered
coolly:
"The latter supposition is more
nearly the truth, Major Brennan.
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. en%cotntering you"
Indeed" he exclaimed, SARCASTIC
ally. But l might have expected
it. Gentlemen" and he turned to
ward the expectant group, this mar
and l have a personal. grievance o.
long standing unsettled. have
sought him for months in vain. Wher
he came last night to our assistance
before 1 even consented to accept hi,
services l insisted tina. no .occurrenc.
of. the defense should prevent oul
meeting, If we both survived. Nov
he endeavors to sneak away like F.
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 TO
answer, Moorehouse spoke.
But, Brennan, see here" he sal,
anxiously, surely Captain Wayne ha,
served you we'll. Is this trouble be
tween you so serious that no amend
are possible?"
"None, short of q personal meet
ing"
Captain" and the perplexed fed
eral commander turned toward me
have you any word of explanation il
this unfortunate AFFAIR.""
Very little" l answered. II an
not even aware that l have done in
jury to Major Brennan, purposely o
otherwise. He has not so much q
honored me with information as to hi
cause of complaint. However, I car
very little what it may be. AS b.
has seen ft to denounce me be
fore officers of my own corps, l shoul,
be extremely glad to meet him upol
that ground alone; but after what w
have just passed through together,
felt ready to blot out these past dill
ferences. Whatever they may hav'
been, they are not liable to occu
again, nor we to meet" !
They have occurred again since 20,
have been in this house!' Brennan
broke forth excitedly. You are not
coward, but l brand you here and nov
as "a sneak and liar! Now will 20,
fght?"
We stood for a moment in utter 81
lence, eye to eye, and l knew Their
was no help for 1t. These words, pub
licly spoken, left me no choice.
Il am at your service, Major Brer
man," I returned sternly, now or a