Argosy, Vol. 1 (1882) — page 319: what you’re looking at

Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.

310 eventually pulling off their coats and jabbing swords at each other to a con- trasting peaceful accompaniment of song birds; solemn surgeon standing by with his case of instruments opened, and in the background a squad of news- paper reporters with kodaks and note books scrambling to get the first ac- count of the private affair into their respective papers. There isn’t a road- side café within easy reach, 1s there, where the reconciled principals can discuss coffee after the gentle tilt is over?” " “Now, Joe!” exclaimed the captain. There was an actual suspicion of tears in the warrior's eyes, and he swallowed his empty throat before he continued: “I don’t like. this—really, I don’t. There is such a thing as courage and there is such a thing as_ bravado. Please, dear boy, don’t put on any of this affected indifference to me.” ‘Good God!” exclaimed Joe, jump- ing to his feet, “ I am not indifferent. I don’t want it. ‘What do you suppose I want to poke young Victor in the ribs with the point of a sword for? ” “ Joe,” said the captain gravely, “to answer in your own terms, it 1s a ques- tion with me as to whose ribs are going to get prodded. I am informed that the young lieutenant is a finished swordsman.” “They always are,” said Joe, sitting down again. “ That’s quite right. It wouldn’t be right if it wasn’t so. An American fight a duel with a Spaniard who isn’t the most expert handler of the sword in the whole Spanish con- tingent? Why, it’s unthinkable.” The perspiration stood in beads on the loyal captain’s brow. “Joe,” he said, “the relation I oc- cupy towards you at present is too sacred to permit me to exercise any- thing but patience with you. I be- seech you, man, to consider the possi- bilities, if the probabilities have no ter- rors. [ ask you not so much as your (To be continued.) THE ARGOSY. dutiful second, as your friend, whether your business affairs have been put in shape to meet any fatal contingency.” A broad grin lighted up Joe’s face for just an instant, but when he saw how pained the captain was, he speed- ily became grave. ‘“ | beg your pardon,” he said, “ but my business affairs—well, it’s a bit funny. I’m not so certain that they would suffer if Victor should run me through.” “I suppose you know best about that,’’ returned the captain, evidently mystified, “ but you have relatives in the States, and friends there. I assure you that if there is any communication you wish to make to them, or have me make to them, now is the time to ar- range it.” “ Well, I don’t know,” replied Joe, thoughtfully. “I might write Wolcott a hurry up letter with regard to the trolley scheme, but I haven’t a doubt that he is pushing it for all it is worth anyhow. I guess there’s nothing to say. The fact is, old chap,” and, rising, he put his hand upon the troubled cap- | tain’s shoulder, “ you are wasting your splendid energy in trying to make me view this thing as I ought to. You go to your quarters and get some sleep. Tell me where and when to meet you, and as you go out give the clerk an order to have me called at whatever hour you think is best.” The captain drew a long breath. “T have done my best to prevent this fight,” he said, “and I have also done everything I could for your 1n- terests. My conscience is therefore easy. I won't say anything to the clerk, but will call for you myself when it is time to start.” They parted with a hearty hand- shake, the expression on Joe’s face in- dicating no more serious view of the immediate future than he had already taken, but rather a profound sympathy for the captain’s disqutet. CO GOH GOOO