The Ottawa free trader. [volume] (Ottawa, Ill.) 1843-1916, 1846-02-06

IaVOrlle OF CITY DeIle.
'Captain,' said Mr.. Trevor, firm
ly, extending his right hand, with
his glove half drawn on, Il am told
you are a dead shot, ch p
well sir, what of that?' inquired
the captain, haughtily, and with
some curiosity in his countenancc.
'You know | am short sighted,
blind as beetle, and not very well
versed in shooting matters.
Every one present started, and
looked with surprise and displea-
sure.
'Why, what do you mean by all
this?' inquired the captain, with
contemptuous sheer.
ooh, merely that we ought not to
fight on unequal terms do you think,
my good sir, that | will stand to be
shot, without "a chance of returning
the favor? | have to say, therefore,
that since this quarrel is of your own
seeking, | shall insist on our fight
ing breast TO breast, and muzzle to
muzzle, across table. Yes,' he
continued, elevating his voice near
~ to a shout, Eve will 60 down to
hell together. that's some consola-
ton
'Infamousl monstrousr was cch-
oed from all present. They said
they would not hear such a thing;
they would not stand by to see such
butchcry. Eight or ten left the
room abruptly, and did not return.
The Captain made no reply to Ire
vor's proposal, but was anxiously
conversing with his friends.
'Now sir, who is the coward?' in
CURED Trevor, sarcastically.
"A few moments will show re-
piled the captain, stepping forward
without any signs of agitation, eX-
ccpt countenancc of ashy hue, 'lor
| accede to your terms, rufianly and
murderous as they are and may the
curse Of a ruined house overwhclm
you and your family forcver!' falter.
ed the captain, who saw of course
certain death was prepartSg for both.
The preparations were,$oon made,
and they consisted, by mutual agree
ment of the seconds, in loading the
pistols with blank cartridges. AS
the principals were impatient, the
pistols were placed in the hand of
each in dead silence.
care you prepared, Mr.. Trevor"
inquired one of the Captains friends.
Being answered in the affirmative,
in moment after the two principals,
pistol in hand, approached each 9th.
err. Though l was almost blinded
with agitation, and, in common with
those around, anxious respecting the
success of the scheme of loading the
pistols with blank cartridges, my
eyes were riveted on their every
movement. There was something
solemn in their demeanor. Though
stepping to certain death, as they
supposed, there was not the slight
est symptom Of terror or agitation
visible; no staggering, no aiiecta-
ton of a calmness they did not feel.
The countenance of each was dead
ly pale and damp, but not muscle
trembled. d
who is TO give us the word?' ask
ed the Captain, in a whisper, which,
though low, was heard all over the
room; 'for in THIS sort of affair if one
fires a second before the other, he is
murderer ..
At that moment a noise was heard.
1t was the surgeon who had arrived
and now entered brcathless.
'Step out and give the word at
once said Mr.. Trevor, impatiently.
Both the Captain and Mr.. Trevor
returned and shook hands with a
melancholy smile, and then took
their places. The gentleman who
was to give the signal stepped to-
wards them, and closing his eyes
with his hands said in a tremulous
tone, raise your pistolsH the muz-
zles' were instantly touching each
others breasts-'and when | have
counted three, fire. One, two,
threen .... ...
They fired; both recoilcd several
PAGES with the shock; and their
friends rushed forward. d..
'Why, what is the Meaning of this%
exclaimed both in breath. 'Who
has dared to mock us in this way?
There were no balls in the pistols ?
exclaimed Trevor, fiercely.
The seconds explained the well
intended artiiice, and were cursed
by both for thcir pains. ut is east
/ ~ rcmcdied,' said the Captain, as
! his eye caught several small swords
hanging in their view. He took
down two, measured them and prof
fered one to his antagonist, who
clutchcd it eagerly, There can be
no deception here, at any rate said