Wisconsin tribune. (Mineral Point, Wis.) 1847-1854, 1849-08-03
IBG6@GeggIMp.
written for the Tribune.
THE CHALLENGE.


geniuses as are to be met with any where
Among those who were there on all convivl-
al occasions, was one whom shall call
Colonel Theophilus Bartholomew Single
block. His elevation was about five feet two
inches. He was rather of a sable hue to have
sprung from Anglo-Saxon parents, though
such was said to have been the fact,-and
had a very quizical look out of a keen blue
eye, and his general appearance was such as
would warrant one in setting him down for
an intolerable joker. The Colonel's place
was always filled by him in person on occa-
sions of hilarity, and the social glass always
impaired additional edge to his sarcasms and
wit.
There was also in that village a certain
native, called Josephus McMingle, full @ six
feet SEVEN" He was also a Jolly fellow,
and, as well as the Colonel, crack shot with
the rifle, and full team at sold sledge."
Now, it so happened that on one Of the
leisure days of the season, great shooting
match was to come off, for no less prize than
fat OK. At the appointed hour all the sports
men were on the ground, with rifles we'll pre-
pared for the contest.
The shooting was close, and the contest
appeared to be chiefly between the Colonel
and friend McMingle. But it is needless to
descend to particulars; suffice it to say, that
the Colonel won rather liberal share of the
beef, and being something of game-cock,
could not resist his inclination to crolc a lit
tie over his discounted antagonist, which
was anything but agreeable music to him.
But McMingle had the good sense to let
the matter pass without doing more than Civ
ing vent to few such epithets as puppy"
hog &c.
But as evening shades began to gather
around our sportsmen, and as they began to
feel the influence Of frequent potions of new
ly manufactured essence of corn, they unan-
mously determined to prolong their enjoy
ments till morning. They were soon engag-
ed at cards, some around rude tables, and
others astride of the grocery counter. In this
condition mornings light burst upon those
who withstood the influence of said essence
sufficiently to keep awake, among whom were
our two friends, the Colonel proving the
greater winner. But the light increased,
McMingle discovered what to him before
was a secret, that the Colonel had about
full pack of cards in his lap, which sufficient
ly accounted for his success. Just imagine
a small volcano struggling to find crater,
through which to disburden its over-charged
stomach, and you have nearly fac simile of
our friend McMingle. He sprang from the
counter, and began to pile up the epithets,
puppy" ''hog," &C., while the Col. replied
in the coolest manner imaginable, that he al
ways played to win, and hoped his dear
friend would not allow himself to get in
passion about trifes.
The greatest difficulty in the mind of Nc
Mingle was, the insignificant size of the
Colonel, for in those days the community
would not suffer giant to impose on pig
my.
"Well," said the Colonel, enc, if that
is all, there is way in which two gentlemen
may be exactly one size, and honorably settle
any little honest difficulty that may occur be-
tween them
500 you challenge me then1 - said Nc.
''By no means, my dear sir, only intima-
ted that there was an honorable way to settle
our difficulty
''Will you accept challenge, then -
81 will, sir, but you are coward, and dare
not fight; you will back out, and disgrace
yourself among your friends.'
But McMingle impatiently protested that
he would fight, and it devoIved upon the Col.
70 oh
accomplished very slowly, taking sufficient
time to tantalize his antagonist between the
agreement upon each separate preliminary.
1--WE will,'' said he, eight with rocks
weighing ten pounds each, you having the
first ten throws, and | the next, and repeat
till we are satisfied
"Just into my hand F: no man can excel me
In throwing stones"
''The distance shall be thirty feet
''Better still. "When and where shall we
meet - said Nc, beginning to rave with i'm
patient desire TO annihilate his hated antag-
onist.
''This hour" replied the Colonel, sat Mr..
Raccon's diggins, on the top of that ridge to
west. l came by there yesterday, and it is
a good place, plenty of suitable rocks, and
everything necessary for an engagement be-
tween two honorable gentlemen. But you will
back out; you dare not fight"
Me-, to show his courage, started immedi-
ately to the designated spot, followed of
course by the Growing Colonel and all the
citizens.
When arrived, the suitable stones were Sc
lected, and everything ready but measuring
the ground, when the Colonel gravely direc-