FOLKS FROM DIXIE
"And the place?"
"The little stretch of woods that borders Ford's Creek. I say, Harrison, it is n't too late to stop this thing yet. It's a share for you two fellows to fight. You're both too decent to be killed for a while yet."
"He insulted me."
"Without intention, every one believes."
"Then let him apologise."
"As well ask the devil to take Communion."
"We'll fight then."
"All right. If you must fight, you must. But you'd better get to bed; for you'll need a strong arm and a steady hand to-morrow."
If a momentary paleness struck into the young fellow's face, it was for a moment only, and he set his teeth hard before he spoke.
"I am going to write a couple of letters," he said, "then I shall lie down for an hour or so. Shall we go down and drink a steadier?"
"One won't hurt, of course."
"And, by the way, Dale, if I— if it happens to be me to-morrow, you take Pete— he's a good fellow."
The cousins clasped hands in silence and passed out. As the door closed behind them, a
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