The Manitowoc pilot. [volume] (Manitowoc, Wis.) 1859-1932, 1912-02-29

! ton. Yet my trained nerves did not
fail me, and outwardly appeared
| fully as cool and deliberate as my op-
ponent 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 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 he confronted me.
How peculiar the mind often op-
crates in such moments of exciting
suspense. recall remarking a very
slight stoop in Brennan's shoulders
which | had never perceived before.
remember wondering where Moore
house mad ever discovered tailor to
give so shocking fit 10 his coat. and
finally | grew almost interested In
two birds perched upon the limb OF
tree opposite where stood. ! even
smiled to myself over 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 II 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-
Here is the gun, Wayne" he
said. and sincerely hope you
have changed your decision. There Is
no mercy in Brennan's eyes,"
$50 | notice. answered. taking
the derringer from him, and examining
it with some curiosity, but shall do
as ! 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?" l questioned.
II do; are you ready?"
Perfectly"
closed upon 1t with warm. friendly
grip. The next moment Brennan and
| 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 wavering
from me. | 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 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 as | saw Brennan's arm slowly
rise. lifted mine also, and covered
him, noting, as did so, almost In Won
der, with what steadiness Of nerve
and wrist held the slender gauge
just beneath the visor of his cap. De-
liberately. as though he dreaded the
necessity, Cation counted:
One; two; ,hree-fre!"
My pistol exploded, the charge strik'
ing the limb above him, and ] stag.
gered backward, my hat torn from my
head, white line cut through my hair
and 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.
ITO RE CONTINUED)