Hillsdale Whig standard. (Hillsdale, Mich.) 1846-1851, 1850-12-24

your hlghness tnat q pair OF pistols Do Oro
into the room, and committee be appointed
to load them. In one let brace of slugs be
placed, and in the other fash for the pan;
throw dice for the first chance of pstals; OF
course that choice will be made without the
knowledge of the slugged from the empty
pistol; the result will be- known in the pull
ling OF the trigger. Let the distance be
three feet from the muzzle of the pistol TO
the man. Such, your royal hghness, is the
proposition which ] respectfully submit to
yourself aud the gentleman of the club.
This is most honorable proposition.
Major. and one TO which in the name OF the
club. feel bound 10 accede,' replied the
President.
Henry was evidently touched BY the hon
esIy of the proposition. and his anger having
some " hal abaIed in the inlefval,.l perceived
that he grew rather pale. stepped towards
him.
Henry said |. 'ihis ia by right my quar-
rel. Ii Is my sister whom the Major has
saodered. Ifyou will aIlew me, | will take
your place
'Never!' he exclaimed with emphasis, and
the blood rushed back TO his cheek, never,
I no. never. IL were TO die from tortufes in
his hands. cannot deny tina, feel the hor-
] ribe situation in which | am placed-,o he
thus forced. perhaps 10 do cool and delib-
ale mnrder--I am resolved, however, should
he WIN the fire and take The empty pistol. 10
/ give him life Should il e othe wise, your
/ sister,
AT this moment the pistols were produced
and combalanrs required TO name each
! friend to superin,end The loading. Henry
named me. and the Major a brother officer
Of the Hussass. The President then appoin-
Ted two disinIerested persons TO accompany
us 10 another room To load the pistols. We
were absent few minutes from the apart
ment ia which were two SETS of dice.
'Are The gentlemen both ready demand
ed he President, when the pistols were laid
on The table.
L am,' said Henry, firmly.
and - added the Major.
Mr.. HIison you will pla"e the dice in one
Of the boxes, ior your friend, and the same
will be performed for Maj Ware by his broth.
er Officer said the President l. was done.
Take the boxes, gentlemen, and throw to.
geiher" The parties took box and care
Iessly threw the dice. well, what is the
casp
Major Ware has thrown nine; two fonrs
and an ace, said he Hussar.
And my friend thnteeO; six, five and
l. Luce.' said /.
You have the first chance, yonng man.
said The Major, 'and il will be fortunate for
you lf your ciuice is we'll made
Henry felt deeply The awful situation in
which he was placed, and his generous heart
was bleeding at every pore. lie feared To
offer The Major any indulgence lest it should
he Construed into an IDdIseCt manner Of So
llclting the same for himself
IL Major Ware desires To occupy few
moments with pen and paper, or in any other
way, shall wait his convenience. said Hen
~, IN his usual bland, quiet and gentIemanly
style.
Major Ware is always prepared Tor any
exigency of the kind; he seldom asks Indul-
grnce from friends much less hIs enemies.
Young man he awaits The exercise Of your
duty was The reply of that officer, in a some
what conremptuous tone.
Henry took up one Of the pistols without
needless pause Tor choice.
'Gentlemen,' exclaimed the President you
will take POSITIONS north and south Of the a
partmenr, and the M mbers oi the club will
occupy the east and vest sides, aud the geu-
tIeInen OF the surgical profession will be kind
enough to range as near tie combatants rs
possible. Ii they are now prepared, let them
proceed
Henry was at distance Of six feet from
his adversary, which distance he preserved
lie cooked his pistol c6olly. raised il with
deliberate aud careful ann. and, as / stood IN
a line behind him, could perceive that the
muzzle was directed TO poin, exactly over
the. left shoulder of his Antagonists; he pull
ed the uIgger and the powder flashed in the
pan
The chance isyours sir said Henry. and
a slight paeness was upon his lips, as he re-
placed the pistol ou the table.
NO, sli, not the chance returned the Ma
loT, 'ihe certainty now. Before you take
your place cannot do less than recIprocate
your Offer give you five minutes # you
wish To employ Them
One only, Major, and | am yours said
Henry, calmly; aud he turned hastily 10 me;
seIzing my hand, he pressed it conVulsIvely
in his own. 'Hilson.' he whispere d, The
Being into whose presence shall Instantly
be ushered by yonder villain. wit, trust,
forgive me. Il Is in defence Of the vutue OF
one to whom have gwen all my whole
hearts love. had hoped for lite of such
heavenly bliss ~ her society that II has, per-
haps, Tor my ldolatry been iorbdden.--
Ii ~ that sentiment, however. which strips
death Of its terror. and the knowledge that
fall in defence of her unsulled honor, sweet
ems the awe OF this moment. For you, Hill
son. have no words to express how highly
have esteemed you; have felt your friend
snip aud feel myself honored by il. Apau
from the near kindred Of my blood, next TO
YOU sister | have loved you. To my fam
iIy have nothing to say-that must he left
TO you-lsrewell, farewell" lie raised my
hand to his lips aud kissed it. vas too iull
OF my own feelings 10 offer word IN reply,
and as wiped tear from my yes, l saw
him standing before his adversary.
Major thank you for your Indulgence
am ready AID Henry stood erect, aud uer
we'd with all the natural and composed ex-
preston Of counieuance which chafaci erls-
ed his every day appearance, IN front OF the
man whose haud armed against hts llie.
Without aword. the Major prepared his pns-