The Greenville journal. [volume] (Greenville, Ohio) 1850-1918, 1912-02-22

tion. Yet my trained nerves did NOT
fail me, and outwa=ily appeared
fully as cool and deliberate as my op
ponent Years OF constant exposure to
peril in every form had yielded me q
grim philosophy Of fatalism that now
stood me in most excellent stead. In
deed, l 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 intenee animos-
ity with which he confronted me.
How peculiar the mind often OPP
crates in such moments OF exciting
suspense. / recall remarking a very
slight stoop in Brennan's shoulders
which had never perceived before,
l remember wondering where Moore
house mad ever discovered tailor to
give so shocking fit to hiH coat, and
| finally / grew almost interested IN
two birds perched upon the limb OF
tree opposite where stood. even
smiled to myself over a jest one OF
the young officers had made an hour
before. Yet with 1t all remained
keenly observant and fully aware OF
each movement made by the others on
the field. saw Cation accept the der
J ringer handed him and test 1t care
fully, the long, slim, blue barrel look
ing deadly enough as he held 1t 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 l sincerely hope you
have changed your decision. There Is
no mercy in Brennans eyes,"
! 80 l notice." answered, taking
the derringer from him, and examining
It with some curiosity, but shall do
as l said, nevertheless. 1t is not any
sentiment of mercy feel which spares
him, but a duty that appeals to me
even more strongly than hate"
"By Heaven, wish 1t were other
wise"
Who gives the word?" I questioned.
II do; are you ready?"
Perfectly"
held out my hand, and his fingers
closed upon 1t with warm, friendly
grip. The next moment Brennan and
l 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 waverinT
from me. knew he was coolly, do
liberately measuring the distance be-
tween us with as deadly a purpose as
any murderer. The almost painful
stiffness was broken by Cation. and
marked the tremor in his voice.
Are you both ready, gentlemen"
II am" said Brennan.
Ready" l 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 morea
and as I 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; three--fire!"
My pistol exploded, the charge striE
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.
(To BE CoNTINUED)