CHAPTER XLIII.
DOUGHTY DUELIST.
Ephraim was in earnest.
"Hold on," said Frank, quickly, "what are you going to do ?" "Fight, by gum!" "But you can't fight here." "Why not ?" "You would be arrested and placed in the guard tent." "Wal, ef a feller can't fight, whut ye makin' all this taowse abaout ?" "You can fight, but not within the limits of the camp.

The duel must take place outside." "Who is this consarned critter that says I've insulted him ?" "Mr.Dunnerwust." "Wal, ef he wants to fight me, he'll find he never dun er wust thing." Frank staggered and clutched at his heart.
"Don't!" he gasped.

"I'm not particularly weak, but I'm not strong enough to stand many of those." Ephraim grinned all over his long face.
"Oh, them things come natteral like with me," he said.

"I kin reel 'em off by ther yard when I git started.

Folks up aour away say I'm ther funniest critter that ever growed in them parts." "Well, you have agreed to meet Mr.Dunnerwust ?" "Yep." "The meeting must take place without delay, so there may be daylight enough for its consummation." "Is that anything good to eat ?" "What ?" "Consummation." "Not exactly." "Didn't know but 'twas.