Lexington union. (Lexington, Miss.) 1838-18??, 1839-04-20
ooh yes, certainly--lhat is--so they

Oh yes, certainly--that $3.50 they
say"
"Thcn, sir, have only to say" said
the colonel, lifting himself up as high as
possible, and twisting his fore.6nger into
one Of his formidable black whiskers, that
considering myself supplanted, beguiled,
and circumvented by you, apprehend
you are ready to give me such satisfaction
as the laws Of honour require"
Certainly, sir with great PLEASURE"
replied Paul.
'.Then, sir shall desire the pleasure Of
your company on the other side of the
state line,'' returned the colonel, in The
civllest tone possible. -"Pistols, suppose
would be your preference
"Pistols!' said Paul, ina lone which he
meant for an ejaculation Of surprise.
"Very well," said the colonel, without
giving time for any further explanation.
Hero are the termsof the meeting, which
! trust you will find perfectly agreeabe.n
So saying, he handed paper 10 Paul, who
received il, and ran il over with his eyes,
without having selfpossession enough to
gather the meaning ola particle its con-
tents.
"Perfectly agreeable, certainly" said
Paul, in his usual asserting way. The
colonel turned upon his heel, and stalked
off,
Paul's good friend, Tom, snatched up
The document, and read-"Pistols-tcn A.
M.-thifty paces-seconds to mark out the
ground--no interference I'LL the third shot
surgeons for two-mortally wounded"
ect. eci. ect
"Who, Paul, do you know you are to
fight duel?"
cam II" said Paul -"then heaven be
praised! there is sill hope left; for i'll
am shot TO death, shall escape marrying
the widow?''
| When Paul arrived at The field Of action
90 the eveniful day, he found his spirits
great deal frmer than he had expected.
In fact, he felt inspired by the greatness of
the occasion, and very naturally, for when
a man knows he must be either shot or
married, he must be aware that the crisis
requires all his lortitude. Paul took his
station, with the most bloodless intention
! that ever prompted man TO battle. III
h. had ,nnrh rather be killed than kilI,n
"One--two-three," said the seconds.
as Paul raised his pistol TO about forty.
seven degrees of elevation. ssFire! bangr'
The coloncl's bullet whistled by Paul,s
left ear, and Paul's hit the steeple ola
martin-box on the top of an adjoining burn.
Twice morewere the pistols tried, when
the seconds interlered; the colonel declar-
ed he was satisfied, and they shook hands,
thereby showing that Paul Plant, by
shooting three times in the face Of the
blessed sun, had proved that he anever
supplanted, beguiled, and crcumyented,,
the aforesaid Colonel Strut; for soft is laid
down in the sfcode Of honour"
itseemed now to be all over with Paul.
81 must be married then, said he to him
seli--"killing won't save me-" The day
was fixed, and his fate appeared inevita-
BILE. The nearer it approached, the less
he felt resigned oit. The day before the
wedding, Paul met Doctor Bindemtiuht
the worthy ?arson who was 10 Join him 10
his bouny bride.
"Docior," said Paul, chow shall es-
cape i'm
wharfage said the doctor, in his most
solemn, argumentatiye way, dis considered
by all authorities, ecclesiastical, political,
ethical, legal, and judicial, as a bond or
covenant, entered into by the mutual con-
sent aud agreement Of tho two parties"
Therefore, ! am decidedly ofopiuion, that
when the ceremony is TO take place, and
] PROFOUND the regular question, "WiH you
take this ,roman for yow ,rifcg''-Y You,
reply "No"--it is not marriage by no
manner Of meaLs.
81 can't do it," said Paul, mournfulIy,n
| have tried it hundred times, but the
word always stuck in my throat. There
is a spell upon me 10 matters Of denying: I
must assent 10 everything. / was born
without the capacity to do otherwise. Ask
me if have got three hands, l believe
should saysyes.'h
"Then you always say syes?'"
eyes, always, certainly"
"Good BY, friend Paul, > said the doctor,
civilly, touching his hat.
"Mercy on mel" exclaimed Paul
PLANT.
There was such turn out among the
bellies the next day! l wish ! had been
there to see il. Trinity church was
thronged, for everybody knew Paul Plant,
and the acquaintance Of widow Wilfai
comprised pretty nearly the whole Of that
circle which calls i.self"good society" I
wish, moreover, had the talent Of the inn
mortal author Of Clarissa Harlowe at des-
cribing feathers and lutestring; then would
Itel' how magni6cenily the widow was