The Caledonian. [volume] (St. Johnsbury, Vt.) 1837-1867, 1846-10-31


cuse about the usual weapons of gentlemen,
eight PAGES, &c. &c. when he was cut short
by Hardcastle--
Never mind, my good sir, dare say IT'S
all right, and am as willing TO fight your
friend with pistols, as with any other murder
Gus weapon. Let me see--to morrow morn
ing--siX o'clock-back of the Moro Tell
MIR Brooks, I,OM be there! And now sir, hay
ing flushed our present business, Will you
join me in cup ofcoflee"
But Mr. Tompkins was too much surprised
at the ready acceptance of the challenge, 10
drink coffee-but wended his way ashore ms
fast as possible 10 communicate TO his prnci-
pal the unexpected result of the interview
Brooks turned pale, while he listened 10 the
description of Ilardcastle's GOODNESS, and the
determined manner in which he said Il will
be there But, said he--his teeth actually
chatlering with iear-do you-do you-real-
" think that he ,cH be thereY
Ihardly know what to think said Temp
kins--but you must he there, at any rate. If
he comes, don't belive, after what he said
yesterday, that he will fight. Ifhe wants TO,
we must do the best we can.
The next morning at sunrise, Mr. Brooks,
accompanied by his second, TompSins, car
rying a case ofpistols, took his way to The
beach, back of the Moro Castle. Brooks
looked grave-he had evidently passed a
sleepless night, and his friend had much
difficulty in keeping his courage to the stick
ing point A CLEAN Dissatisfaction, however,
crossed his cadaverous vissage when he saw
that Hnrdcastle had not yet reached the place
appointed.
DO you think he'll Gomez enquired he of
his companion in an eager tone.
Al ,.,,I, h. a,,I I chn
not be surprised 10 see him. There is no
trusting these Yankees. But ifhe does come,
Brooks, you must bear yourself like man,
and have no doubt that we can bully him
into an apology, and come off with flying col
ors after ALL
In a few minutes several persons were seen
slowly approaching the spot, and gazing Gu
riously towards them. They were chiefly
friends of the parties, who were aware that
the duel was to he fought that morning, and
kindly wished TO he spectators ofthe proceed
ings from distance.
At a few minutes past six O'Clock, when
Mr. Brooks was suggesting the propriety of
returning home, and posting the coward, the
other party was seen advancing leisurely aud
alone towards the scene ofaction. The spir-.
its ofAlr Brooks, which fell TO zero when he
sawIIardcastle approach,rose rapidywhen he
found that lie was unaccOmpunied by "a
friend and had brought no pistols-indica-
tons that he did not intend TO fight.
lIardcastle rs he drew near, bowed grace
fully to his opponent, who remained as grave
and grim as the giant Blunderbore of the
books-and did not return the sd
Lutte.
sternly, 'and have brought no second.
y
sing TO fight, after all our trouble. You must
be aware that the matter has gone altogether
too far to end in smoke, aud that you must
fight Ihy man or suffer the consequences
MIR Tompkins,' said lIardcuSe, in his
bandest tone, i am not in the habit of hum
hugging any one, and am generally straight
forward and sincere III all my operations, us
you will probably be prepared to confess be-
fore we separate. Mr. Brooks and Yourself
heard me declare, yesterday, my aversion TO
the whole system ofdueliing, aud in terms so
unequivocal that now TO fight duel, would
show that am Iamentably deficient in moral
courage. You both 6leic that would not at
tempt either ofyour lives in due, otherwise
you would not have dared to challenge me-
Whats that you say sir:' exclaimed
with ferocious look
'Do you mean to insinuate that am a cow
ard? asked Brooks with the accent and en-
phasis ola bully, for he now felt sure that his
carcase would not be perforated by butler.
MIR Brooks resumed Hartlcaste, i do not
wish TO offend you, but consider it my duty
to inform YOU that | take you for as great aud
a coward as ever fled from the
enemy on the field of battle, and with due re-
slider him hardly shade better. 1t - no use
to bristle up and use big words. You both
tnop that am correct in this opinion. In
deed, will go further, and do not hesitate to
pronounce you both contemplate scoundrels.
| told your second, yesterday Mr. Brooks that
would meet you here-but come not, like
A foolto give you chance TO shoot me down
like wild beast, but to cflastise you for your
usolent and ungentlema My conduct.
'Chastise? Who-what do you mean?'
keep cool, gentleD en-, beg of you-and
I'll soon explain, though possibly not TO your
ltgives me pain to hurt your
teelings-but due, respect for myself and
duty to society, leaves me no alternative,
trust you will excuse me- So saying, Capt.
Hardcasile made forward movement To-
wards Mr. Brooks, and with blow of his fist,
laid HIM PROSTATE on the sand--and spring
ing little OIL one side, he dealt Mr. Tompkins
5 similar favor-then he took the case Of pis-
tolls which was quietly reposing on a rock,and
threw it far on rock, and then far into
the water among the breakers. BY this time
his valiant opponents had partly recovered
from their surprise and the stunning effects
ofthe blows, and had risen from their humble
attitude, evidently designing to give him leg
bail.
Not YER exclaimed Hardcastle. "By your
leave gentlemen, must give you something
M me hV N nd tfNa m
good behavior for the future And he did
He went at work in good earnest, and drub-
bed and kicked both ct them to their hearts
content-and when he ceased from sheer
WEAKNESS, and granted their applications
lala inld lii Lind