The Owosso times. (Owosso, Mich.) 1897-1926, 1914-09-18

ed what had happened he received a
challenge to mortal combat from the
man whose daughter he was engaged
to marry.
He was wondering what in the
world to do when Estelle's quadroon
maid appeared and handed him note
from her mistress. 1t appointed a
meeting between him and her at the
house of mutual friend. At the time
named he went to the place designat-
ed and found Estelle waiting for him.
You have heard what has happen
edo" he asked.
IL have"
"Is there no possible way out Of it?'
Either you must resign me and
leave here or we must find some ex-
pedient to head father off,
How can he be headed OFF,?
First. you must not be placed in a
cowardly position. He would kill me
as we'll as you if | should marry one
who showed the white feather. You
must accept his challenge"
what"
BE quiet. have plan for pre-
venting the meeting or. at least de-
laying it. And if it can be delayed long
enough l may bring father to his
senses"
What are you going to do?'
perhaps it is better that you should
not know. | may have to change my
plan ut the last moment. One thing
you may be assured of-there will be
no duel between you and my father.
But he must not know that am aware
of his challenge. He would probably
take measures to change the hour and
place of meeting. and you would then
be PLACED in position to fight or be
disgraced."
This ended the interview. Swift 60
ing to his own home. Estelle remain
ed where she was till later that she
might not be seen in his company.
The next morning the two principals
and their seconds met in an opening
in wood not far from the Martin
dale plantation. The ground was be-
ing measured off when a horseman
rode up and began to read something
from paper he held in his hand.
"Who are yo'," asked Martindae,
land what do yo' want?"
IL am the sheriff of this county, and
| want either security or the money
on your note of hand past due for So
coo. The holder of the note is not
willing that yon should risk your life
without first satisfying his claim"
Nonsense" cried Martindale. look
ing at the sheriff as though he would
like TO shoot him as we'll az his daugh-
ter's lover. "Yo' get out o the way.
and don't yo' interfeah with south
ern gentleman vindicating his honah."
"Yo' can't fight. majah. without sat
isfying the claim"
Can any Of 20 gentlemen" said
Martindale to the seconds, relieve me
Of this unpleasant situation by taking
up my note and holding it till have
settled with this man who has insult.
ed me"
No one present seemed inclined to
take the risk.
Martindale stood looking upon those
about him with wonder. That a man
who was about to defend his honor
should be denied favor like this was
incOmprehensible to him.
"Do you mean to tell me. gentlemen"
be said, that you deny me the means
whereby may proceed with this af-
fair"
His friends were spared the necessity
Of replying. for at the moment there
came the clatter of hoOfs and man
rode on to the ground in great haste.
Major Martindale." lie said. ARE 70
about to engage In mO'tai combat,
subj"
what is that to yo', suh?" was the
reply
in that case expect yo' befo' risk
ing yO' life TO satisfy a claim have
against yo' 70 three hundred and sew.
enty-siS dolahs and fO'ty-tive cents"
And yU'. too. Walker" exclaimed
the major reproachfully HAS ii come
~ pass in the south that II man cannot
protect his household without first set
tling every tritlin. amount of indebted
ness he has outstanding? Has mans
honah become Of less impo' tance than
filthy iucre:"
"Yo' have my sympathy, majnh. |
have no desire to prevent this meeting
Give NE security and | shall make no
opposition TO its proceeding"
Martindale looked crushed. CHANGING
from one Ia another Of bis friends. he
cried dpspairingiy:
will no one help me out of this de-
grading position!"
II will. father" The words were
spoken In woman's voice from behind
n tree. and Esteile appeared leading
horse OIL which she had been riding.
All looked at her astonished.
my dear little girl" said the father,
Il knew you would be sensitive to yo'
fathers honah."
IL will take up these notes on condi-
ton that you shake hands with Mr..
Swift and consent to my marriage with
him. He Is about to buy the venable
plantation. and 1 shall go there with
him, leaving you to take care of your
interests here as you always have
DONE"
Estelle put her arms around her IA
TIERS neck and did not release him till
he had given Swift his hand and con-