The spirit of democracy. [volume] (Woodsfield, Ohio) 1844-1994, 1849-10-13

powerful man, demanded every exertion
For perhaps minute the contest was
doubtful, and entirely blinded by excess
i've rage, Conrad made repeated attempts
to draw his knife. This, with the perhaps
superior strength, and the perfect pres
ence Of mind he preserved, decided the
contest in favor of the stranger, who al
length by skilful muscular exerton laid
the frothing Conrad PROSTATE, wrenched
his knife from its scabbard and threw it tc
some distance, and then securing his arms
sat triumphant on his body. Pausing 0
moment for breath, and with most provo
king GOODNESS viewing his still wrthing en-
envy, very, calmly Observed.
"Young man, whoever you are, you
jerks can do yourself as little use, as me
harm, nor do intend to do you harm.
"Do me harm!" vociferated the PROSTATE
hunter, in accents of as much wrathful de-
fance as his exhausted frame would ad.
nit. "Let me up and on my feet; give
me chance, and we'll see who is to be
harmed"
GAS matters have thus far went" re-
piled the collected, and even smiling stran.
ger, 81 am accountable for my own; bu
as | have found you in a scrape, and
have never injured you, why, III try to
get you off safe" "
"Insulting scoundrel, let me up
swat, my boy, until your fever cools. ,
"Villain," roared the now absolutely
inturiated Conrad, "You dare not take
your rifle and give me fair shot,
"The poor young man is raving g-bleed
ing will cool his fever" deliberately draw
ing his own knife.
The flashing blade no sooner met the
eye of Conrad, who expected to meet its
edge, than his rage was calmed in mo.
ment! His eyes changed from an express
sion of rage to that of stern and even con.
temptuous defiance. Not a fibre of his
frame trembled; on the contrary he stead.
lily eyed the victorious stranger, and OBJ.
served. ga murderer you may make your.
self--but let me advise in my turn. feai
you not but you have father and moth
er, can you return to them and leave the
body Of an only son in the woods!"
81 have parents and friends also," re-
piled the stranger; 81 never intended tc
injure hair of your head, and as | see
you are coming to your senses. you may
rise, if your promise is given to act cor
rectly. You are no coward, and am NJ
murderer; | cannot accept your challenge
''lt would be cowardice to betray sucf
manly confidence" observed Conrad, as
himself and competitor rose to their feet
The two quadrupeds were, in the mean
time, lying painting from their own share
of the fray.
Having eyed each other moment, af
ter both had resumed their arms, the stran-
ger very good naturedly Observed
"My good friend, we have made very
lucky escape, and have much reason to
remember each other: and as have as
much reason as yourself to be ashamed oI
so rash an act, we may exchange forgive
ness"
Conrad felt as many others have fell
who have been doubly vanquished, and
with all his really strong feelings of gener-
osity, lurking modification gave sulky
moroseness to his manner, as he rather
ungraciously replied, 81 suppose am to
be thankful for not having my throat cut. u
"Have care your fever does not return
and affect your brain again, young man. y
very slowly and provokingly replied the
stranger.
This was too much for the chafed spirit
of Conrad, who commenced loading his
rifle with violent gestures and feelings o.
anger His opponent also, but with the
utmost coolness, commenced similar op.
Grafton, and long before the enraged Con.
rad had his weapon prepared. the stranger
with half suppressed smile, was very
composedly cycling the rash young hunter
whilst standing grasping in his left hand
his well loaded and primed rifle, and pat.
ting the head of his wounded dog with his
right. When Conrad had put his weapon
in order, the stranger then observed:
"You say, friend, that you are an only
son; am a little inclined to think youl
parents would soon be childless if youl
life depended on which Of us could load
our rifles first. Be calm and hear me-
continued the stranger, "before you at
tempt to grapple with person who has
given you no offence; permit me to give
you lesson. Do you see white spot
on that hickory tree yonder?"
81 am not blind" replied Conrad, sui
kily. u.
"Except with useless passion" replied
the stranger, as he raised his piece to his
face and in moment the spot was gone,
and the intrepid and manly hunter stood.
with his empty rifle, smiling in the face Of
his now abashed companion, who remain
ed an instant absorbed in silent wonder;
at length calculated with great warmth
| swell, well! this is too much, am con-
quered.".
"But alive yet" replied the stranger, as
he walked quickly towards the tree into
which his bullet was lodged, which having
reached, he held up his rife in his letl
hand, shouting, "you see she is emptyg''