The mountain sentinel. [volume] (Ebensburg, Pa.) 1844-1853, 1849-09-27

ocos OHdHcc ioT ilte. nave now 10 pro-
pose to your royal highness, that pair of
pistols be brought into the room and that
committee be appointed to load them
In one let a brace of slugs be placed, and
in the other fash for the pan. Myself
and the boy viii then throw dice for the
first choice Of the pistols, of course that
choice will be made without knowledge
Of the slugged from the empty pistol, the
result will only be known in the pull Of
the trigger. Let the distance be three feet
from the muzzle of the pistol to the man.
Such, your royal highness is the PROPOSE
ton which l respectfully submit to your
self and the gentleman of the club
This Is most honorable proposition,
major, and one to which in the name of
the club, feel bound to accede,' replied
the president.
Henry was evidently touched by the
honesty of the proposition, and his anger
having somewhat abated in the interval,
perceived that he grew rather pale, step
ped towards him.
Henry said |, this is, by right, my
quarrel. Il is my sister whom the major
has slandered; if you will allow me, / will
take your place
'Never!' he exclaimed, with emphasis,
and the blood rushed back to his cheek,
never; not even if | were TO die from tor
lures by his h ands. | cannot deny that
feel the horrible situation in which am
place9-to be thus forced, perhaps, to do
a cool and deliberate murder. | am re-
solved, however, that should he win the
first fire and take the empty pistol, to give
him life. Should it be otherwise, your
sister,
'At this moment the pistols were pro-
duced and the combatants required 10
name each friend to superintend the load
ing. Henry named me, and the major a
brother officer of Hussars. The president
then appointed two disinterested members
TO accompany us to another room and load
the pistols. We were absent but few
minutes for the task, and when we return
ed, round table had been placed in the
centre of the apartment, on which were
two sets of dice.
'Are the gentlemen both ready! de-
manded the president, when the pistols
were laid upon the table.
i am said Henry firmly.
And l. added the major.
Mr.. Hilson, you will place the dice in
one of the boxes for your friend, and the
same Office will be performed for Major
Ware by his brother officer said the pres
ident. 1t was done.
Take the boxes, gentlemen, and throw
together. The parties took each box
and carelessly threw the dice. We'll,
what is the cast?'
Major Ware has thrown nine-two
fours and an ace,' said the Hussar.
And my friend thirteen-six, five, and
DEUCE said |.
You have the first chance, young man.
said the major, .and it will be fortunate for
you if your choice is well made
Henry felt deeply the awful situation
in which he was placed, and his generous
heart was bleeding at every pore. He
feared to offer the major any indulgence,
lest it should be construed into an indirect
manner of soliciting the same for himself.
'1f Major Ware desires to occupy few
minutes with pen and paper, or in any
other way, l shall await his convenience
said Henry, IN his usual bland, quiet, and
gentlemanly style.
major Ware is always prepared for
any exigency of the kind, he seldom asks
indulgence from his friends, much less OF
his enemies. Young man he awaits the
exercise of your duty was the reply OF
that officer, In somewhat contemptuous
tone.
Henry took up one of the pistols, with
needless pause for choice.
'Gentlemen,' exclaimed the president
you will take your positions north and
south of the apartment, the members oil
the club will occupy the east and west
sides, and the gentlemen of the surgical
profession will be kind enough to range as
near the combatants as possible. If they
are now prepared, let them proceed.
Henry was at the distance of about SIX
feet from his adversary, which distance ne
preserved. He cooked the pistol coolly
| raised it with deliberate and careful aim
and, as stoop nearly in a line behind him
l could perceive that the muzzle was di,
rected to point exactly over the left
shoulder of his antagonist. He pulled the
trigger, and the posoder flashed IN The
pan.
The chance is yours, sir said Henry
and light paleness was on his lip, as ne
replaced the pistol on the table.
No sir, not the chance returned the
major, 'the certainty, now. Before you
take your place. cannot do less than re-
ciprocate your offer-I give you five min.
utes. if you wish to employ them.