The Lamar register., 1912-01-03

slowly advanced toward us. Daintily
lifting her skirts to keep them from
contact with the weeds under foot,
her head poised proudly. her eyes =
bit disdainful of 1t all, she paused be-
fore Cation.
Lieutenant" she questioned In
clear tone which seemed to command
an answer, II have always found you
an impartial friend. VIII you kindly
inform me as to the true meaning of
all this?"
He hesitated. hardly knowing what
to reply, but her imperious eyes were
mered lamely:
Two of the gentlemen, madam.
were about to settle slight disagree
ment by means of the code"
Were about?" she echoed, scornful
Of all deceit. Surely heard shots as
l came through the orchard?"
One fire has been exchanged he
reluctantly admitted.
And Captain Wayne has been
wounded?"
was not aware until that moment
that she had even so much as noticed
my pres. nee.
Very slightly, madam"
His opponent escaped uninjured?"
Caton bowed, glanced uneasily to.
ward ne. and then blurted forth i'm.
rulsiyely: Captain Wayne fired in
the air, madam
"A most delightful situation. surely"
she said cl-arly and sarcasticaliy.
One would almost suppose We had
wholly reverted to barbarism, and that
our boosted civilization was but mock
cry. Think OF it, and the proud dis
dain in her face held us silent, mot
six hours ago that house yonder was
the scene of a de sperate battle. With
in its blOod-stained rooms men fought
and died. cheering in their agony like
heroes OF romance. | saw there two
men battling shoulder to shoulder
against host Of Infatuated rufiians.
seeking to protect helpless women
They wore different uniforms. they
followed different flags, by the fortune
OF war they were enemies. yet they
could fight and die in defense of the
weak. thanked God upon my knees
that / had been privileged to know
such men and could call them friends.
No nobler. truer. manlier deed at arms
was ever done! Yet. mark you, no
sooner is that duty over-scarcely are
their dead comrades buried-when
they forget every natural instinct OF
of gratitude. OF true manliness, and
spring at each others throat like two
maddened beasts. I care not what
fha.. ~. l. IL. 81
and an insult to every woman Of this
household. Even as came upon the
field voices were clamoring for anoth-
er shot. in spite of the fact that one
man stood already wounded. War
may be excusable. but this IL not war.
Gentlemen, you have fired your last
shot on this field. unless you choose
TO make me your target"
She stood there as a queen might,
and commanded an obedience NO man
among us burst refuse. Brennan's
flushed face paled. and his lips trem-
bled as he sought to make excuse.
Edith" he protested. you do not
know. you do not understand. There
are wrongs which can be righted in,
no other way"
w nut care 70 kuOW. sne an
swered coldly. nor do l ever expect
to learn that murder can right
wrong"
Murder, You use strong terms.
The code has been recognized for GEN.
turtles as the last resort Of gentle
men"
The code! Has It, indeed? What
gentlemen? Those of the south ex-
clusively OF late. That might posi-
bly, pardon your opponent. but not you.
for you know very well that in the
north no man of any standing would
ever venture to resort TO It, Moreover.
even the code presupposes that men
shall stand equal at its bari am in
formed that Captain Wayne fred in
the air
He hesitated. feeling doubtless the
uselessness Of further protest, yet she
permitted him small opportunity for
consideration. Major" she said quiet
ly but firmly. Il should be pleased to
have you escort me to the house" =.
These words. gently as they
were spoken. still constituted a COM
mand. Her eyes were upon his face.
and doubt not he read within them
that he would forfeit all her respect If
he failed to obey. Yet he yielded with
exceeding poor grace.