blow. There was but one thing for him to do, and that was to challenge
Calhoun.

That night Calhoun was waited upon by Captain Mathews, who in the name of
Conway demanded an abject apology. This, of course, was refused, and a
formal challenge was delivered. Calhoun at once accepted it, and referred
Mathews to his friend Lieutenant Matson.

"Look here, Pennington," said Mathews, "I do not want you to think I
uphold Conway in what he did. I am no saint, but I never insulted a woman.
Conway would not have done it if he had not been drunk. I was just going
to the lady's rescue when you struck the blow. There was no need of
knocking Conway down. I understand the girl is a Lincolnite, but that
makes no difference, Conway is right in demanding satisfaction."

"And I am willing to give it to him," answered Calhoun. "The only thing I
ask is that the affair be arranged quickly. Let it be to-morrow morning at
sunrise. And, Captain, understand that I bear you no grudge. I consider
your action perfectly honorable."

Mathews bowed and withdrew. He and Matson quickly arranged the
preliminaries. The meeting was to take place at sunrise, in a secluded
spot near Danville; the weapons were pistols, the distance fifteen paces.
Only one shot was to be allowed. The affair had to be managed with the
utmost secrecy; above all things, it had to be kept from the ears of
Morgan. But it was whispered from one to another until half the officers
knew of it. None blamed Calhoun, yet none could see how Conway could avoid
giving the challenge.

"Both are dead men," said an officer, with a grave shake of the head.
"Morgan ought to be told; he would stop it."

"Tell Morgan if you dare!" cried half a dozen voices.

"Oh, I am not going to tell; if they wish to kill each other it's none of
my business," replied the officer, turning away.

Calhoun was known as the best pistol shot in the brigade, and Conway was
no mean marksman. Everyone thought it would be a bloody affair. Many were
aware of the enmity which Conway held toward Calhoun, and knew he would
kill him if he could. Meanwhile Jennie slept unconscious of the danger
Calhoun was in for her sake.

It was a beautiful autumn morning when they met. The sun was just rising,
touching woods, and fields, and the spires of the distant town with its
golden light. The meeting was in a place which Calhoun well knew. How
often he had played there when a boy! It was an open glade in the midst of
a grove