Heavens above! For him to
think of fighting a man that kills every one he fights wid!"
The mother's outcries were violent, as were those of his female
relations, whilst a solemn and even mournful spirit brooded upon the
countenances of his own faction. It was resolved that his parents and
friends should now wait upon, and by every argument and remonstrance in
their power, endeavor to change the rashness of his purpose:
The young man received them with a kind but somewhat sorrowful, spirit.
The father, uncovered, and with his gray locks flowing down upon his
shoulders, approached him, extended his hand, and with an infirm voice
said--
"Give me your hand, John. You're welcome to your father's heart an'
your father's roof once more."
The son put his arms across his breast, and bowed his head respectfully,
but declined receiving his father's hand.
"Not, father--father dear--not till my name is cleared."
"John," said the old man, now in tears, "will you refuse me? You are my
only son, my only child, an' I cannot lose you. Your name is cleared."
"Father," said the son, "I've sworn--it's now too late. My heart,
father, has been crushed by what has happened lately. I found little
charity among my friend's. I say, I cannot change my mind, for I've
sworn to fight him. And even if I had not sworn, I couldn't, as a man,
but do it, for he has insulted them that I love better than my own life.
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