The Bridgeport evening farmer., 1912-12-18

stands between us.'' How dare you, sir!' cried the exas- perated lady, now on the verge of hys- terics. Let me tell you that what ever I may wish to spare my husband he fears nothing for himself. But, no; I entreat of you do not let this horrible affair go any further" Kerchival West, having no choice but to overhear, was of the same mind. He now stepped forward decisively, saying:
 Pardon me. I hope am not inter rupting. I believe, Mrs. Haverill, you have an errand for me?"
 "Yesr' she exclaimed eagerly. Thank you so much. will go and write the note immediately. Pray excuse me, MT. Thornton"
 Without another word she hastened away. The two men bowed and wait ed in silence until she was out of sight and hearing. Then Kerchival West drew himself up and said quietly:
 Thornton, you are a d-d scoun- drel. Do I make myself piain?"
 You have made it plain all along that you are looking for 8 quarrel. I've no objection. SdH, I prefer to pick my own adversaries."
 Colonel Haverill is my commander '' said West, trembling with suppressed excitement. He is beloved by every officer in the regiment
 "'Well, what authority does that give ycu"-
 "'His honor is our honor His wife,
 "Oho, that's 1t, eh? So you have @ first class license to act as Mrs. Haver- 7lls champion. l have heard that her favorite oficer'-
 Kerchival approached a step nearer.
 "YOu dare to suggest"
 eff accept your challenge,' sneered the other, II shall do so not because you are her protector or the protector of her husbands honor, but as my ri- val. We stand on even ground.''
 "Cur, you listen to me now'-and Kerchival emphasized his words with a slash of his riding whip full in Thorn ton's face.
 E'I think you are entitled to my at tention, sir,' responded the other, re- covering himself quickly.
 My time here is short. as you know" KerchfvaI said.
 "Long enough for my purpose, reckon. The bayou-up the Ashley an hour from now it will be light CuOUSA IO O4SAb OoA TODRShos
 +I'll be there in half an hour with a friendr" cried Kerchiyal.
 Nobody in Charleston slept that night of April 11-12. At the Ellingham house, as at Pinckney's, and at many another home of luxury and pride there were festive or other gatherings which kept people up and about until long past midnight
 Then in the early hours of that fate full Friday an exchange of rocket sig nals between Forts Johnson and Moul trie began. Every one knew what that meant The men, some of them with out stopping to change their evening clothes, disappeared with strange, si lent, oninous alacrity. The women hudd1ed in whispering groups or brought eyeglasses and from outdoor points of vantage watched intently across the dark waters to where the flagstaff of Sumter, like a warning fin ger, pointed solemnly to the stars in the balmy dusk of the southern spring time sky
 The abrupt departure of Thornton and Lieutenants Vest and Ellingham, accompanied, as it appeared, by pr. Dillingham; and one or two of the young men in uniform, had not failed to at- tract attention and excite comment. Mrs. Haverill by discreet inquiry among the household servants, obtained a startling hint or two. which she hast ened to communicate in confidence to Gertrude-none else.
 '"There are tears in your eyes, Ger trude,' said Mrs. Hayerin sympathetic ally.
 They have no right there,'' returned the girl, with a pitiful flash of the old spirit that contrasted with the scared look on her unwontediy pale face.
 -I ana afraid I know-not what has happened to Lieutenant West in those last few minutes, but-forgive a wo- man who has had more experience than you have, dear, and who is fond of you what happened between you and him when you were together for the last time, maybe, in-who knows how long? Let fate part you, if it must, but not quarrel. What is pride or coquetry at such a moment ?"
 Another rocket cried Madeline West, fitting from somewhere in the outer darkness. Does any one know where Rob| mean where Lieutenant Ellingham is? He excused himself for a minute and he has been gone an hour and a half. He promised to be here before''-
 ''So did Lieutenant Vest" Mrs. Ha- verin joined. in with undisguised anx- iety.
 Boom, came loud, sul1en, reverber- ating report from over the bay.
 Look" screamed Gertrude Filling ham, jumping up in a frenzy of excite ment. Did you see that line of fire against the sky. That was no rocket that was a shell. It has struck the fortr'
 At the same instant there was a loud chatter of horses hoofs outside and Bob Ellingham dashed up the front steps.