"The co'te, not being familiar with the practice of this section, can on'y decide the question in acco'dance with the practice of his own county. The language used is not objectionable, either under the law or by the code. The prisoner, Klutchem, is discharged with a reprimand, and the plaintiff, Caarter, leaves the co'te room without a stain on his cha'acter. The co'te will now take a recess." Fitz listened with great gravity to the decision of the learned judge, bowed to him with the pleased deference of the winning attorney, grasped the colonel's hand, and congratulated him warmly on his acquittal. [Illustration] Then, locking his arm through Yancey's, he conducted that pugnacious but parched Virginian, together with the overworked judge, out into the street, down a flight of stone steps, and into an underground apartment; from which they emerged later with that satisfied, cheerful air peculiar to a group of men who have slaked their thirst. The colonel and I remained behind. He was in no mood for such frivolity. CHAPTER VIII _A High Sense of Honor_ While the judge's decision had relieved the colonel of all responsibility so far as Yancey and Cartersville were concerned,--and Yancey would be Cartersville when he was back at the tavern stove,--there was one person it had not satisfied, and that was the colonel himself. He began pacing the floor, recounting for my benefit the various courtesies he had received since he had lived at the North,--not only from the proprietors of the office, but from every one of its frequenters. And yet after all these civilities he had so far forgotten himself as to challenge a friend of his host, a very worthy gentleman, who, although a trifle brusque in his way of putting things, was still an open-hearted man. And all because he differed with him on a matter of finance. "The mo' I think of it, Major, the mo' I am overwhelmed by my action. It was inconsiderate, suh. It was uncalled for, suh; and I am afraid"--and here he lowered his voice--"it was ill-bred and vulgar. What could those gentlemen who stood by have thought? They have all been so good to me, Major. I have betrayed their hospitality. I have forgotten my blood, suh. There is certainly an apology due Mr. Klutchem." At this juncture Fitz returned, followed by Yancey, who was beaming all over, the judge bringing up the rear. All three listened attentively. "Who's goin' to apologize?" said Yancey, shifting his thumbs from his armholes to the side pockets of his vest, from which he pinched up some shreds of tobacco. "I am, suh!" replied the colonel. "What for, Colonel?" The doctrine was new to Yancey. "For my own sense of honor, suh!" "But he never got the challenge." "That makes no diffence, suh. I wrote it." And the colonel threw his head up, and looked Major Yancey straight in the eye. "But, Colonel, we've got the letter. Klutchem don't know a word about it."