Bloomington herald. [volume] (Bloomington, I. T. [Iowa]) 1840-1849, 1846-01-17

| The following sketch from the pen o
one Of the most powerful critics Of tn,
day. comes home TO every one with a de-
gree Of force tia. renders it more effecsiv,
asa warning against the madness Of pas
sion. than whole volumes of reasoning
the duel arose from dispute, commenced
jestingly, az to which had the fairest RICH
to be considered the elected favorile Of .
city belle.
Captain said Mr.. Trevor. firmly, ex.
tending his right hand, with his glove hal
drawn on. Il am told you are dead shot
eli = zsce
We'll sir, what Of tha,!' inquired The
captain, haughtily, and with some curios.
ity in his countenance.
You know | am short sighted. blind as
beetle, and not very well versed in shoot.
ing matters - ys r.
Every one present started, and looked
with surprise and displeasure. f
why, what do you mean by all this 2
inquired the captain, with contemp.uous
sDeer.
oh, merely that we ought not to fight
on unequal terms; do you think, my good
sir, tina. will stand to be shot, without a
chance Of returning the favor l have
to say, therefore, that since this quarrel
is Of your own seeking, shall insist on
our fighting breast 10 breast, and muzzle to
muzzle, across table. Yes,' he con,inu-
ed, elevaiing his voice nearly TO shout,
I'VE will 60 down to hell together that's
some consolation
Infamous monstrous = was echoed
from all present. They said they would
not hear such--a thing; they would not
stand by TO see such butchery. Eight or
ten left the room abruptly, and did uot
return. The Captain made no reply to
Trevor's proposal. bu! was anxiously con.
versing with his friends.
'Now sir, who is the coward!' inquired
Trevor, sarcastically.
"A few moments will show replied the
captain, stepping forward without any
signs of agitation, except countenance of
ashy hue, for l accede to your terms,
ruffianly and murderous as they are; and
may the curse of ruined house over
whelm you and your family forever'
fal.cred the captain, who saw Of course
certain death was preparing for both. The
preparations were soon made, and they
consisted. by mutual agreement Of the
seconds, in loading the pistols with blank
cartilage. AS the principals were impa>
,ient, the pistols were placed in The hand
of each in dead silence.J
Are You prepared, Mr.. Trevor?' in-
quired one of the Captains friends. Be-
ing answered in the affirmative. in a mo-
ment after the two principals, pistol in
hand, approached each other. Though l
was almost blinded with agitation, and, ia
common with those around, anxious re-
speeding the success of the scheme of
loading the pistols with blank cartridges,
my eyes were riveted on their every
mo semen,. There was something SOL
emn in their demeanor. Though step
ping TO certain death, as they supposed,
there was not the slightest symptom Of
terror or agitation visible; no staggering.
no affecta,ion Of calmness they did uot
feel. The coun,enance of each was
deadly pale and damp, but not muscle
trembled.
who is to give us the word!' asked
the Captain, in a whisper, which, though
low. was heard all over the room; for in
this sort of affair if one fires second be-
fore the other, ne is a murderer
At that moment noise was heard II
was the surgeon who had arrived and
now entered breathless.
Step out and give the word at once
said Mr.. Trevor, impaiiently.
Both the Captain and Mr.. Trevor re-
turned and shook hands with melancholy
smile, and then took their places. The
gentleman who was to give the signal
stepped towards them. and closing his
eyes with his hands said in tremulous
tone, raise your pistols = the muzzles
were Instantly touching each others
breasts-.and when have counted three,
fire. One, two, three! =
They fired; both recoiled several PAGES
with the shock and their friends rushed
forward. ...
why, what is the meaning Of This 2
exclaimed both in breath. Who has
dared to mock US in this way! There
were no balls in the pistols = exclaimed
Trevor, fercely.
The seconds explained the well intend
ed arti6ce, and were cursed BY both for
their pains. III is easily. remedied, said
the Captain. as his eye caught several
small swords hanging in their view. He
took down two, measured them and prof
feled one TO his antagonist, who clutched
it eagerly. There can be no deception
here, a. any rate said he.
Each pu. himself in posture. We fell
backs horror stricken at the relentless
shirt with which thew seenned amin fed