Rural Retreat times. [volume] (Rural Retreat, Va.) 1892-1918, 1912-03-29
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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:
Il realize your natural anxiety to
be off, Captain Wayne. and while we
should be very glad to keep you with
us indefinitely, yet | trust you will
feel perfectly free in the matter"
Il thank you greatly" | answered.
rising as spoke. My duty is of such
nature, and has already been so
long neglected that / feel every mo-
ment of unnecessary delay to be
crime. wish you pleasant return
within your own lines, and an early
cessation Of hostilities.
had shaken hands with them all,
and turned toward the door, congratu-
lating myself on escaping thus easily,
when new voice broke suddenly in
upon my self-satisfaction
Il trust Captain Wayne is not in
tending to depart without at least .
word with me?'
1t 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?''
l saw the others exchange quick
glances of amazement, but / answered
coolly:
THE latter superstition 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 encountering you"
Indeed" he exclaimed, sarcastic
ally. But might have expected
it. Gentlemen" and he turned to-
ward the expectant group, this nan
and l have a personal grievance of
long standing unsettled. have
sought him for months in vain. When
| he came last night to our assistance,
before even consented to accept his
services insisted tina. no occurrence
of the defense should prevent our
meeting, IL we both survived. Now
he endeavors to sneak away like a
whipped cur. I demand satisfaction
at his hands, and If it is refused l
shall denounce him in both armies
| My cheeks burned, but before l
could control myself sufficiently for
answer, Moorehouse spoke.
But, Brennan, see here" he said
anxiously, surely Captain Wayne has
served you we'll Is this trouble be-
tween you so serious that no amends
are possible?"
None, short of personal meet
ing"
Captain" and the perplexed fed
eral commander turned toward me,
"have you any word Of explanation in
this unfortunate AFFAIR.""
Very little" l answered Il am
not even aware that l have done in
jury to Major Brennan, purposely or
| otherwise. He has not so much as
honored me with information as to his
cause of complaint. However, / care
very little what it may be. AS he
has seen fit to denounce me be-
fore officers of my own corps. should
be extremely glad to meet him upon
that ground alone; but after what we
have just passed through together.
felt ready to blot out these past diff
ferences. Whatever they may have
been. they are not liable to occur
again, nor we to meet"
They have occurred again since you
have been in this housed" Brennan
broke forth excitedly. you are not
coward. but brand you here and now
as sneak and liar! Now will you
fight?"
We stood for moment in utter ST.
lence. eye to eye, and l knew there
was no help for it. These words, pub
licly spoken, left me no choice
Il am at your service. Major Bren-
man." | returned sternly. now or at