Clemson University - Taps Yearbook (Clemson, SC)

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416 THE CLEMSON COLLEGE CHROLICLE. smile vanishes from his lips and in its stead comes an ex- pression of cool reserve. What could have caused such a sudden change in the expression of Henry Conwall, for it is he. Let us glance at the person on the outside of the door. His face is also familiar. It cannot be called a handsome face, but it is far from being ugly, nor can it be called an honest face, for it has a sinister expression, which at once impresses the stranger unfavorably. Where have we seen that face before ? Yes ! In the pavilion on Sulli- van ' s Island, and again in Charleston, near St. Michael ' s Church. Here then is the rerson for the sudden change of expression on the face of Henry Conwall; he stands face to face with George Neville, the man whom he in- sulted near St. Michael ' s Church in Charleston! The two men stood eyeing each other for half a minute before cither spoke. The silence was at last broken by Conwall ' s asking in cool, even tones to what reasons must he attribute the honor of this visit. Neville looked at him coolly for a few seconds and then replied, I come but to demand an apology for an insult which you gave me some two weeks ago, in the City of Charleston. I need not say what that insult was, for you know as well as I do what it was. Yes, replied Conwall, I know what insult you are speaking of, but as we were not on speaking terms, I paid no attention to your bow. Therefore, sir, I refuse to apologize. Then, said Neville, know that you are under the challenge of George Neville. And you may know, sir, that your challenge is accept- ed, and that I bid you defiance, replied Conwall, rising to his full height of six feet, two, thus displaying a finely moulded form.

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THE CLEMSON COLLEGE CHRONICLE. 415 George Neville had made up his mind to propose to Miss St. Clare that very night, and thus decide his fate; his rival, who was the more prudent of the two, had no idea of thus prematurely risking his future happiness by over-haste. Neville had the good fortnne, as he thought, to be the one to see Miss St. Clare home. He proposed and received as his answer that, while he was regarded as a friend, he had not been known long enough to be loved. After seeing her safely home George Neville returned to his rooms in a very troubled state of mind. The next day he left the island, determined not to remain longer where he could daily see the object of his misplaced affections. Let us now pass over a period of six months and come to the afternoon of January the 6th. Had you been near the door of St. Michael ' s church, in Charleston, you would have seen a newly-married couple emerge from the church and enter a carriage. Had you been a close observer you would have also noticed that as the couple crossed the pavement on their way to the carriage, a gentleman who chanced to be passing just then, lifted his hat and bowed. The lady did not see this person, but the gentleman did, but did not pretend to return the bow. Who is this couple ? It is Mr. and Mrs. Henry Conwall. Two months later in a small town in upper Carolina, in one of the rooms of the only hotel of which the place could boast, sits a man whose handsome face and form seem strangely familiar. This person is evidently lost in a very pleasant revery, for his eyes are half closed and there is a smile on his lips. He is thinking of a beautiful wife far away in Charleston. Suddenly his pleasant thoughts are broken into by a sharp rap on the door. He rises and, still smiling, opens the door. Instantly the

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THE CLEMSON COLLEGE CHRONICLE. 417 Then, good-morning, sir, said Neville, and turning on his heels left the apartment. Half an hour later another rap aroused Conwall from his thoughts, which were of a very different kind from those which he had before his first visitor. Upon opening the door he saw a stranger standing without. This stranger gave his name as James Johnson, and stated that he was acting in the capacity of second for Mr. Neville. He was referred to Captain Lewis Smith, who was a member of the party with which Con- wall was traveling. Johnson retired to arrange the time, place and terms of the duel, with Capt. Smith. The time was set for the following afternoon, and the place the small island which has already been mentioned. The next afternoon two boats containing half a dozen men each, might have been seen gliding down one of the swift flowing tributaries of the Savannah. There is none of the mirth and noise which usually attend such an ex- cursion, when on a pleasure trip. Every one is silent and grave. The boats glide on down the stream and finally land on the small island before mentioned. In a few minutes the two men who have been talking, return, each to his respective group. Each then places his principal on on his ground, after which the signal is given for the struggle to commence. The two men stand eyeing each other for several seconds, without moving. Then Neville commences the struggle by rushing upon Conwall. In the struggle which follows, Conwall receives a wound in the fleshy part of his left arm. Then for a few seconds each combatant stands eyeing his adversary. Again Neville rushes upon Conwall, but this time falls back, pierced to the heart. It is a sad and silent group which might have been seen making its way back up the river which it had so lately descended. They land a few miles below the town from