ore my mind, as I stood facing my
determined antagonist. It would scarcely be true to say, that I felt
not fear; and yet it was less cowardice, than a sort of vague vexation
at risking my life in so causeless a conflict. There was something
absolutely ludicrous in standing up to be shot at, merely to square with
the whim of this eccentric squatter; and to shoot at him seemed equally
ridiculous. Either alternative, upon reflection, appeared the very
essence of absurdity: and, having ample time to reflect, while awaiting
the signal, I could not help thinking how farcical was the whole affair.

No doubt, I might have laughed at it, had I been a mere looker on--
herald or spectator; but, unfortunately, being a principal in this
deadly duello--a real wrestler in the backwoods arena--the provocative
to mirth was given in vain; and only served to heighten the solemnity of
the situation. The circumstances might have elicited laughter; but the
contingency, turn whatever way it might, was too serious to admit of
levity on my part. Either horn of the dilemma presented a sharp point.
To suffer one's-self to be killed, in this _sans facon_, was little else
than suicide--while to kill, smacked strongly of murder! And one or the
other was the probable issue--nay, more than probable: for, as I bent my
eyes on the resolute countenance of my _vis-a-vis_, I felt certain that
there was no chance of escaping from the terrible alternative. He stood
perfectly immobile--his long rifle raised to the "ready," with its
muzzle pointing towards me--and in his eye I could not read the
slightest sign that he wavered in his determination! That grey-green
orb was the only member that moved: his body, limbs, and features were
still and rigid, as the stump behind which he stood. The eye alone
showed signs of life. I could see its glance directed towards three
points--in such rapid succession, that it might be said to look "three
ways at once"--to the decoy upon the ground, to the shadowy forms upon
the tree, and towards myself--its chief object of surveillance!

"Merciful Heavens! is there no means to avert this doom of dread? Is it
an absolute necessity, that I must either kill this colossus, or be
myself slain? Is there no alternative? Is there still no chance of an
arrangement?"

Hopeless as it appeared, I resolved to make a last effort for peace.
Once more I should try the force of an appeal. If he refused to assent
to it, my position