Vermont watchman and State journal. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1836-1883, 1853-03-31
THURSDAY, MARCH 81, 1853.

prune was shattered into thousand pieces |
At this extraordinary proof of address, the !
spectators were struck with astonishment |
As to the poor Lieutenant, he was more dead |
than alive.
The Captain now resumed his station, |
and requested his antagonist to fire but the |
Major nterposed, saitng that it was contra
~ to tie custom Of the country; that the
offended party had an undoub,ed right TO
make the first essay, and after his fire was
returned, chance should decide the rest
" My friend" replied the Captain, "if |
should suffer myself TO be influenced by
your opinion, this young gentleman would
never have another opportunity to test the
quality Of his pistols. | must have my own
way ~ this particular, and after have set
tied the affair with this gentleman, each of
his companions, who amused themselves
last evening at my expense, and who in
stead Of restraining the impertinence of
their friend, laughed at his ridiculous fol-
lies, must, one after another, front the muz-
zle of my pistol. Now, SIR, am ready
Take good aim--ior if you miss me YOU
are a dead man."
D ~ t@'NNNN'"ht Hi1o'hf'b MS Ntulbis
drew his trigger, and the ball passed through
the Eiglshman's hat.
1t is now my turn" said the Captain.
4" was last evening a butt for your raller-
les, for your sarcasms. Without proyoca-
ton YOU iusulted me; covered me with hu-
initiation. was tailor-a schoomaster
IA village babber. What am now A
man And what are YOU! miserable
wretch polroon trembling with fear
The death which IN few minutes YOU will
receive from my hand, already surrounds
you with shadows. The grim iyraurs icy
hand is already extended over you-your
lips are h'ld your eyes are glazed aud
your vlsage Is as pale as the winding sheet,
which 90 a few hours will envelope your
body. Your feeble limbs can hardly sup
port YOU for insolence and cow.rdice E,
hand ia hand together. But before my bu p
let pterces your heart, tell me- have YOU a.
my arrangements To make Have YOU a
last adieu to send to a mother, father, a
sister, or any other person dear 10 you ?
! have here the materials necessary Tor wri-
ung, aud | will willingly grant yon time to
make any arrangements winch you may
think necessary.
The young man muttcred something, OF
which an humble Ithaak yOu was all that
was ineligible
50 Ia that case, " resumed the Engishman,
since reconciliation between US IS abso-
} lutely impossible, aud it is necessary that
your blood should wash out the aiironts
: which have received, | beg you to i'm
plore, by iervent but mental PRAYER, the
| mercy of the Eternal Power"
Then taking off his hat, he looked round
= upon the mute aud terrified spectators OF
. this imposing scene, who, 10y spontaneous
! impulse, uncovered themselves hkew,se.-
r For a minute there reigned among the
} group, religious and solemn silence, which
: was interrupted only by the hard breathing,
Of the suffering Lieutenant.
Al length, sezing bis pistol, and pointing
= It towards the Lieutenant, he kept HIM for
] a minute 10 4 state of the most horrible
suspense; then, suddenly raising the wea.
5 pom, he turned towards his valet, who stood
] near, and handed him the pistol Take
/ IT," sand he "this officer is not worthy tho
honor of dying by the hand of an English
e man."
= The next day, the Baron de V quit
'ed that part of the country, and never re,
sumed his station IN his regiment