The Washburn times. [volume] (Washburn, Wis.) 1896-1976, 1912-02-29
Ct1Ry2IsE W EC'MC CZNRC 600

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 a new voice broke suddenly in
upon my self-satisfaction
u trust Captain Wayne is not in
tending to depart without at least a
word with me?"
II 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 | 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 encountering you
Indeed" he exclaimed. sarcastic
ally. but might have expected
it: Gentlemen" ard he turned to-
ward the expectant group, this man
and | have 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 l insisted that no occurrence
of the defense should prevent our
meeting, if we both survived. Now
he endeavors to sneak away like a
whipped cur. | 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 for
answer, Moorehouse spoke.
but, Brennan, see here" he said
anxiously, surely Captain Wayne has
served you we'll Is this trouble be-
are possible?"
None. short of a 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 answered. II am
not even aware that ] 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
f1ght?"
We stood for a moment in utter ST.
lence, eye to eye, and knew there
was no help for it. These words, pub
licly spoken. left me no choice.
81 am at your service. Major Bren-
man," l returned sternly, now or at
any time But am unfortunate here
in having no officer of my army pres
ent, and hence can name DO sec
ond"
Doubtless one of these gentlemen
will consent to serve" he said, his
face Frightening at my rejoinder IL
Some one hastily pushed way to
the front, and Lieutenant Cston, pale
but, determined, stood at mysshoulder.
1T will afford me pleasure to act
for Captain Wayne" he said clearly,
IF he will accept my services. More
over" he added, with a significant
glance at Brennan. Il do this as