American Republican and Baltimore daily clipper. [volume] (Baltimore, Md.) 1844-1846, 1846-02-23

The company stood aghast They had
trampled on man whom they had mistaken
Tor a milksop-and he had proved lion in
courage as well as Napoleon in filmness
"This may do very we'll for bravado," said
Saunders burly friend; "but you do not pre-
tend to say that we should turn this place into
a slaughter-h ouse?'
"Harh ye!" said Wright, in a manner which
showed that he was weighing every word; "for
years this nun has carried dIsmay and misery
INTO tho peaceful family circle. Month after
month he has followed the pastimo of tradu-
eng the character of unprotected females
He has at last vllIhed the only one love on
eaFth-she who is to become my Wifs know
we'll enough that unless this Islander is forma l.
" retTaeted, she is ruined in the estimation of
at least half the community, All the happi-
ness hope to enjoy upon earth is centered in
her purity. If | am killed, her fate will not
be more dePlorahle than at present. If kill
him, the woIld will be rio Of q plague, and
her honor will be satisfied. Therefore, Mr..
Saunders must retract, or will fire on him."
Mute inquiries were chsnged-indecision
and fear were marked upon each face. Saun-
ders mechanically outstretched his hand and
took one of the pistols, looked around the
room rs if for advice, and then replaced the
PlsIoI VII 'lc tdple3 saying ) aHI i' 1ie AaHHh
OF my irends.''
eight as PROPOSE" said burly man.
Both parties agreed to do so.
"1his, then, is the plan. You shall each
FIRE at that spot on the wall opposite. He who
strikes nearest the centre shall have the first
fire at his antagonist, at Six yards"
The echo of the last word had scarce died
away before Wright fred at tho mark. Breath
Iessly they waited for the smoke to clear away.
"He is an inch wide of the spot. Reload
the pistol, - eaid the burly man, coOlly. "Now,
Saunders, it is ynur turn "
With trembling sinews Saunders raised his
arm and fired. A crash Of glass followed the
report. He had missed the wall, and shattered
the window, three feet wide Of the spot in
dlcated.
"Gentlemen, stand apart" said Wright.
They all gathered behind him, leaving the
enemies with about the space of six yards be-
tween them, face to face
| "Mr Saunders, your life is mine, by all the
laws OF honor; but waive my right to take it,
provided you retract your false assertion
! No." groaned Saunders: 81 dare not do
that. Murder me, if you will cannot dis
grace myself"
"Some one count three" was Wright's re-
ioind' r, and will FIRE when he if done.''
"OHe! Iwo!---"
/ The aim was deadly.
"Do not say THREE" shrieked tho COW.
ard, falling on one knee, and shielding his head
with outstretched hands. "Do not say three
/ DETAINED her--I retraci. She is as pure as nll
olcn siSteri'
Without another word Wright left the ia
vern. The next morning Saunders departed
from the village, and his companions, deprived
of their leader, settled down, in a short time
into respectable member Of society. Wrigh
and Mary became man and wiie-of course
The old gentleman who related the subject o
this sketch, Afterwards saw Wright on the foo
of Congress.
There is no wrong so skilfully wrapped W
IN sophstry, or protected by the Vaccinations
of the individual who commits it, but mast, al
some period, meet the avenging stroke; while
he who persists in right, cannot help but meet
the reward he merits.