The Abbeville banner. [volume] (Abbeville, S.C.) 1847-1869, 1853-04-14

spectators were struck with astoni>hmcnt
AS to the poor Lieutenant, he WAS more
dead than alive.
1hc Captain now resumed his station, and
requested his antagonist to fire. but the Maj
or intcrposctl, stating that it WAS contrary to
the custom of the couhtry; that the offend
ed party had the undoubtcd right to make
the first essay, and after his fire WIS return
cd, tie rest should be dcrilrd lv chance.
My friend replied the Captain, if should
ion, this youn" gentleman would never
have another opportunity TO test the quality
of his pistols. | must have my own way
i'll this particular; and after have settled
the affair with this gentleman, each of his
companions, who amused themselves last
evening" ut my expense, and who, instead
of restraining the impcr,incnce of their
friend, laughed at his ridiculous folIics, one
after the other front the muzzc Of my pistol.
Now, sir am ready. Take good aim
for ii you mss me, YOU are Il dead man.
The Lieutenant presented his weapon;
drew the trigger, ana the ball passed through
the Enylishman's hat.
1t is now my turi,' sail the Captain. 4
was last evening Il butt for your ril;crics,
for your saic"sms. Without provocation
you insuited me; covered me with humiiia-
tiorm. WAS Il schoolmastcr: a tailor: Il vii
lngc babbcr: What am now! y man.
And what are You. II miserable wretch. Il
poItroom, trembling with fear. The death
which i'll a few minutes you will receive from
my hand. already surrounds YOU with sl,ad
ows. The grim tyrant's icy hand is already
extended over you-your lips are livid; your
eyes are glazed; and your visagc is us pale
us thc winding sheet, which in a few hours
will cnvc!op your body. Your feeble limbs
can hardly support YOU; for illsolcncc and
cowardiee go hand in hand together. but
before my bullet picrccs your heart, tell nc,
have you I. last adicu to send to II muthcr,
father, sister, or any other person who is
dear to yea. have llerc the materials
necessary for writing; aud will willingly
gran, You time to make any arrangements
Which you may think necessary
The young lnan muttcrcd something, OF
which an humble / MunA you, WAS all that
WIS Ineligible,
In that case resumed tie Eng!;sllman,
since reconciliation between us is absolutely
lmp"*sibic, and as it is necessary that Your
!.lo"d should wash ont tic ailronts which |
have received, beg YOU to iinplore, hy Il
'crvcnt, but brief mental prayer, the mercy
Of t;'c Eternal Power
Then taking of his hat, he looked rou..d
npnn the Inutc and terrified spectators of
this imposing scene, who bv Il spontaneous
impulse, uncovered themselves likewise
Fora INFINITE there rel gnc'l among the group
Il religious and solemn silence, which was
interrupted only by the hard breathing of
the suffering Lieutenant.
At length ~cixing his pistol, and pointing
il towards tie Lieutenant, lie kept him for
a minute iii Il state of the most horrible S,.s-
rcmsc; then suddenly raising the weapon,
lie turned towards his valet, who stood near,
and handed him the pi.tol, Take IT, said he,
this officer is not worthy the honor Of dying
by the hand Of an EnYIi<hmen.'
The next day, the baron dc "
Quilted that part Of the country, and never
resumed lis station in his regiment.