Hannibal journal. (Hannibal, Mo.) 1852-1853, 1853-07-07
From the Boston Journal.
The Duel. IL


tonishinp efforts TO maintain the war against
France, reduced his army TO the peace estab-
lishment. Consequently, many Prussian Off
Gers who were stationed at Hamburg, received
furlouphs, or were Dismissed from the service
for time; and life of military danger and ac-
tivity gave place to habits Of idlsness and diss-
patton. .sis.. s ... .-.e.. A.s .~-.a .-.-yH
In the early part of September, several Of
these officers, having dined together and sacra-
feed rather freely at the shrine Of the jolly god
GdjOurned towards evening, to the Exchange
coffee house. the most noted hotel in the city,
They entered shouting and singing in the most
tumultuous manner, setting at defiance the rules
Of dScorum and propriety. ........
The youngest of the Joyous band, the Baron
de N, who bore the commission Of Lieute-
nant in the army, was about twenty-five years
Of age, wealthy, handsome and elegantly formed
But his mind did not correspond with his person;
he was vain insolent, self-conceited and pre-
suming. When they entered the public room
in this bosterous manner, they observed an in
dividual Of small stature, in dark suit, seated
at the table alone; he had in his left hand the
journal of the day, while his right supported his
pipe. He had paid but little attention to the
entrance of this formidable host Of backguards,
scarcely deigning to raise his eyes from the
paper ne was reading. The young Baron, Of
he thought bordered contempt, approached
the man in black, and iamllIariy sapping him on
the back, said with smile OF bitter irony.
'Ah! my friend good evening. From your
appearance should take you TO be schoolmas-
icr-or perhaps tailor-am right Where
is your gOOseT
The citizen raised his eyes and fixed them for
moment on the countenanee OF the interro-
gator, and then resumed the perusal OF his
journal.
. God forgive my sins J. continued the Baron,
'he will not answer me. Come, my little Tel
low, we must be more sociable. Ali perceive
the reason Of your silence--the pipe incOm-
modes you As must hear the sound OF your
voice, allow me TO relieve YOU .....
So saying, he snatched the pipe from the hand
OF the stranger, and dashed it TO pieces on the
floor; piece OF wit which his companions ap-
plauded with shouts Of laughter,
Without laying down the journal, the citizen
turned towards the entrance of the inner room
and coolly said;
Waiter, another pipe.
'Well done, returned the young impertnent
4 have gained something, however. have
made him open bis mouth
The pipe was brought, filled and lighted, and
the citizen continued perusing the journal as il
nothing had happened.
YOU belong In what village do you exer-
else your talents 4? What No answer? Have
YOU resolved not TO enter into conversation will
me?
Here the insulted stranger again raised his
head and looked the other full inthe face, at the
same time putting out an immense volume OF
smoke; he then deliberately resumed his former
occupation.
perhaps was mistaken in your character,
interrupted the Baron-'yOu may he the qa'd
nune of village, and are endeavoring to COM
Init to memory the news which that paper con-
tains, to impart it correctly TO your friends anC
neighbors. But you smoke like Swiss. Thai
pipe causes you great inconvenience.
1t was a second time broken.
Without evincing by a gesture, or any visi
BILE change in his countenance, the least appear
ance of anger, the man in black coolly repeated
his first demand
Waiter, another pipe.
what a melodious voice! resumed the Baron
Such patience must be an attribute of an ange
or the devil. l would give a thousand form
TO see you in passion. 1t would be decided
delicious sport"
An old Major, whose embroidered coat wa
decorated with military orders, and on who's
German physiognomy were depicted franknoss
true courage and loyalty, who entered the coife
q house with these hair-brain youths, now ad
dressed the Baron in low voice, but which
d notwithstanding could be heard in all parts q
81 the room:
my young friend, you are insulting strar
ger without provocation-you are foolishly gu
aty Of great mperinenoe, and your conduct an
that of your applauding comrades, begins TO dis
gust me. beg you will not pursue this loo
.. ish joke any further
The Baron with his companions according
adjourned to a neighboring room, and con
menced playing at cards. TIC Judge from the
numerous jokes, followed by loud peals {
laughter, it would seem that the young officer
folly and impudeuce were already forgotten.
An hour passed away-all was mirth and iollt
the Baron had gained considerable sum, an
Ms spirits were proportionately buoyant, whC
the little man in black entered the room, al
slowly approaching the chair, tapped him gen
Iy on the shoulder, and requested TO speak wi
him in another apartment. The Baron regard
him with look of disdain, over his shouldC
iIttering an ill-timed jest, and laughed in
. face.
Sir said the man in black, in decided al
manly tone, you labor under a trifing mlSaK
which must be at some pains to correct. a
neither tailor nor a schOomaster. have 4
honor to be Post Captain in the English N
Wy, very much at your service You have i
suited me, and demand satisfaotion; if you r
fuse il, l shall find means to obtain it. Tome
row morning at seven o'clock | shall wait y
here. Bring pistols with YOU
n The astonished Baron, whe during this a