The Nevada journal., 1852-12-24

l. uitlilH lhCItlOit OuL VI LIlC
tion,' added the banker.
The major at this looked blank and
puzzled; the captain all altastonishment.
1t would only be putting down your
handsome phaeton and pair r Joined
the bankers. second, calmly.
'Oh, sir all yes, indeed ? ejacu-
lated the captain, reddening up to the
ears.
But supposing I accedcd to this
most irregular proceeding said the
major, there is no time for it now, as
can not consent to withdraw my
principal from the field without an ex.
change of shots
That is not at all necessary said
the banker. 'This gentleman is nv
attorney Whereat, on the instant,
the little man in black whipped from
beneath his coat deed on parchment,
ready filled up, and wanting nothing
but the attachment of the signatures.
The captain and the major exchang-
ed looks of blank rage. They saw that
in common parlance, it was "a SELF
and they began to storm.
"A most absurd proceeding .--mer-
cenary proposal CALCULATED the car-
tain. PUT down my phaeton, indeeds
! Why, sir, this is beyond joke.
1T is, indeed, most serious matter,
sirs,' said the banker. DO you think,
sir, whether would not be justified in
considering it as something more than
an absurd proceeding and n pretty
joke, TO be put dorm dead here, and
leave my wife and children to penury?
l know very we'll, sir, you are rare
shot, and can snuff a candle with pis-
tol bullet. That dexterity l can't pre-
tend to, so in any case run the great
est risk Yet l am ready to pit my
life against your phaeton and pair
The major looked more perplexed
than ever. The captain more foolish
and puzzled.
again, gentlemen, if I should be
killed my wife and children will alb
solutely need the money; but if Ikill
the captain, his property is absolutely
OF no sort Of use 10 him after his funer-
al expenses are paid. Nor is my pro-
posal without precedent. Upon such
occasions, men of refiaed honor and
high courage have thought they could
never do enough. When Best shot
Lord Camelford, his lordship on his
death bed, left his antagonist, who was
in very poor circumstances, hand
some income, rejoicing no doubt that
he had lived long enough to do such
an act of magnanimity and finished
honor. never fred Mt a man as a
mark in my life; am sure to be shot
SO you see my proposal is only fair
one; and as make tito men of honor,
expect it to be acceded to- r.
oh, but tl-yes, but .--ycu, sir! cx-
claimed the captain. Really, inter
rupted the major, biting his lips, q
really think that as men of finished
honor, we must accede to the propos,
al
The banker now fatty refused to
fight on any other terms, putting it di-
rectly 10 the major as the most refined
point of dueling honor that could be
manifested on the occasion, till the two
officers, though excessively provoked
and annoyed, could no longer refuse
their consent. The parchment was
handed to them by the attorney, who
saw it properly signed, and then the
principals took their stand at fifteen
PAGES distance.
The BANKER had the first fire. Not
wishing to be banished from his coun-
try or get into prison, or be tried for
manslaughter or murder, he took very
good care to fire wide Of his mark, end
away flew his innocent ball like u hum
ming bird, across the fields.
Then came the captains turn--
Now whispered the major, aim low;
keep steady--now--you've got him
! Got him 2 stammered the captain,
his face turning blue, andhis jaws fall
ing. Got him !! put down my pha---,
( pay five hundred year for being call
cd a bulctsltfaded fool, and SO prove
it. VIII yOu pay the money if hit
him" m
X Away sped the ballct :but of course
! it did not hit the banker, though it
whstlcd rather too close past the law
yer's car, who had forgotten TO have
similar agreement for himself in case
of accidents.
The antagonists then shook hands.
Tie major Withdrew the Honorable
Captain Eustaee titz Giles from tho
field, declaring that his honor was sat
isfed;' and the banker went home to
his wife and children.as
But it is not always that those meet