The Empire County argus., 1854-06-24
MY FIRST DUEL.

"Well,'' replied to my friend De Courcay, as he
explained to me the result of the mission he had
undertaken upon my behalf, "this is an awkward
affair."
81 can't say Vernon" said he, with somewhat
melancholy air, which was anything but reassuring
'that admire it myself: but as it is begun, you
must go on with it,"
"Oh, certainly do not doubt me for an instant"
Ireioined, somewhat hastily.
81 do not, indeed These sort of matters, though
they look imposing enough to a young hand, are
after ALL mere triles. 1t is bur the instant when
the man of weak nerves quakcs when he hears the
click of the pistol and sees it presented by his op
ponent A moment after and all is over either
you victorious you bid farewell to this scene
of strife"
"a truly consoling style of conversation" thought
to myself land one which is much more likely to
issue from the mouth Of d second than principal"
De Courcay, after he had finished this bit of mo-
ralizing, stood musing for moment or two; and
then, suddenly turning to me- said
'lt is nearly twelve o'clock and, we have to be
on the ground at six think you had better turn in
and get few Lours' sleep, 50 that your hand may
be steady There is how yer, little affair which
you had better settle before you retire to rest"
"What is it, Courcay !' said |, hcsitatingy
swell, it is customary TO prepare-that is to say
to make"
"Ones exit for the next world. Oh understand +"
"Not so my dear fellow-nothing indeed, was
farther from my thoughts; and | hope
likely to be the termination Of the present
"Farce But come, what is it, De Courcay, you
would have me do 2;
"Well, seriously, I think you ought to scratch
down memorandum of your intentions regarding
any property"
"Oh, if that is the mouse of your mountain in
return for your kindness this OCCASION will be-
queath you my debts. But will think on what
you say, and now, good night and as one last favor
fO he maj to han bo t,,o1
tomorrow"
"Never fear; good night. Vernon said he put
ting in his head again don't take ANYTHING to
keep up your spirits tonight. No wine or brandy
remember. You will want cool head and steady
hand tomorrow
When was left alone, and | had drawn nv easy
chair before the fire, and taken glance round my
room as sort of tarewel-and, blythe by, it looked
much more comfortable than had ever thought it
did before: "Well," thought 'ths is q stupid af
fair to be engaged ina quarrel in public ball
room for pale-faced, affected girl, whom had only
seen ten minutes, and with some unknown, upstart
puppy, who steps forth as her champion, and pre-
sents his bit OF cardboard Let mo see--'B. r.
Brattles What name! Well, it's no matter
Pm in for it, And now to follow De Courcay' ad-
vice, to make my last will and testament. | think
! carry the inventory of my estate in my head
First, there's my linen and clothes. Well, must
bequeath them TO Betty in recOmpense for the many
colds she has caught sitting up for me next come
any coins, let them go to C. Then my guns pis-
tols, and gloves These will in serviceable to
my cousin Harry, who has just got his commission.
My meerschaum and books shall fall to the share
OF DE Courcay-hell II like memento of his friend.
Stop there is one amongst them" and as raised
my eyes to it as it stood the bookcase confess
but seldom removed from its place--a tear or two
rolled down my cheek that not all my endeayors to
be manly could check 1t was the Bible which had
been given to me by my mother when last parted
from her. | wrote on, hurriedly, This book, my
dear Courcay charge You to deliver to my mother,
whom, in this hour, when my mind seems to bo er.
ring from her precepts, and those contained in her
holy gift, dare not address. Tell her not how,
wanting strength of mind to follow its precepts, /
fell as Ayes must write it-a duellist; but rath-
err if possible, conceal the truth from her In the
drawer will be found portrait which believe,
unknown to any one-even to the object it depicts
Il havo amused my leisure hours depicting. Sc
cretly cherished for her sincere and devoted afec-
tion. which, though had never the courage-but
no, my dear friend, will not charge you with this