The Kalida venture. [volume] (Kalida, Ohio) 1841-1865, 1848-10-10

views On the subject, and ended short bur
characteristic speech: "Let 'em have q pair
of pistols and Bowie piece, nothing else !:
put 'em in dark room together, and let 'em
fight it out like gentlemen"
This proposition was received with a
shout. The room selected for the duel was
sort of garret, WHICH, having no window,
was reduced to state of total darkness
by closing the door To this the combat
lanis were conducted, and Immediately
commenced their preparations FOR the en-
counter, in which they were assisted by all
present After being provided with weap-
ons, Gamble kicked off bis shoes, and Scbuy-
ler pulled off his boots, rolled up his lrow-
sors little way, aud cut of his straps for
fear the buttons should make noise. The
major suggested that they had better take off
their coats also, which they accordingly did;
and Schuyler, while giving his TO the land
lord, made this brief testamentaty dsposi-
ton.
Major" said he, /" it's highly probable
that one of us two will never go out Of this
room till he's carried. If happen TO be
the one, you'll find on me silver watch,
silver pencil-case, and thirty dollars in
New York bills. See thai Pm decenily
buried, and keep the balance for your trou-
ble.n
III say, Major" growled Gamble. '.justfx
me good stiff mintjulep, and have it resdy
for me in fifteen minutes. Don't forget,
now!"
These were the last words the combat.
tans spoke.
Almost every one had left the room ex-
cept Lawson; who now stationed the parties
in opposite corners, asked if they were quite
ready, and, on receiving an affirmative re-
sponse, wished them good bye, and locked
'hc door upon them, leaving them together,
"to fight il out IKE gentlemen"
The first thing that each did was 10 change
his place five or six feet; after which they
remained some time inactive. The Difficult
ties of their position will be readily appre-
ciaied. If one of the duelists advanced up
on the other, with the intention Of coming
TO close quarters, he might by some slight
noise expose himself to his antagonists
fire. or might run unawares upon The point
of knife or the muzzle of pistol. If
he fired without being sure of his man, the
fash of his pistol would guide the enemy
in returning his shot, The most natural
course was for them to wait, each in the
hope of exhausting his opponents patience,
and tempting him to commit some impru-
dence.
In this way they watched each other, or
rather for each other, for about ten minutes;
when Schuyler thought be detected tie cat
like CLEAN of his antagonists grey eyes, at
the opposite side of the garret. Turning
his left side in that direction, and bringing
his right arm across his breast, he peered
more eagerly than before into the darkness.
| His suspicion was increased to certainty
he fired. Instantly the fire was returned;
and his left arm which lie had involuntarly
raised fell shattered by his side. In the ago.
ny of the moment he hurled the discharged
pistol across the room. As it struck
harmlessly on the rough logs which formed
the side walls, he heard low tauntipg chuc-
kle. Human nature cou'd not bear it;-he
fired again, almost at random. Again
the fire was returned the ball piercing h .
side, and, overcome by pain and loss of
blood, he fell heavily to the floor, while an
other fendish laugh sounded in his ears.
But, though sorely wounded, Schuyler
was not yet hors de combat. Raising him
self with some difficulty to sitting posture,
he drew his knife, prepared 10 sell his If
as dearly as possible; only hoping that his
enemy would assail him before he was COM
pletely prostraIed by The loss of blood
Scarce minute had elapsed when he heard
a faint creak of the boards near him Gam
bic was evidently approaching, TO give him
i The coup de grace. In an other moment u
heavy foot came in Contact with his wound
ed, side; and he once more recognized
those fiery grey eyes, as the Georgian
stopped over him. Now, or never? He
collected his fast failing strength into one
last effort, and lunged upwards with all his
force. Uttering wild yell of pain and
rage, Gamble leaped into the air, and fell
back-dead!
The party below, who had been employed
, in betting on the coml,attants, rushed ur
stairs as soon as they heard the second fall
The Major opened the door. and Called
He received no answer, Tor Schuyler had
, tainted. He was, however, 500 restored te
) consciousness; bis wounds were bound up
; and ho was pu, to bed; for bis success made
) him almost a god in Major Lawson's eyes
I: In a few weeks, when perfectly restored te
) he alth, he started for home. having hae
: quite enough of the south.
I, His host (who possibly had some private
3 reasons of his own for rejoicing at Gambles