The Empire County argus., 1854-06-24


confession of my love, which was without hope
Having written this much, Ibastily penned few
lines, in which ardently declared my passion, that
had never dared disclose to one whose prospects
were so much above my own: and enclosing the
portrait sealed and addressed the packet, with in
structons to De Courcay to have it delivered. Af
ter this though the candles were becoming low, and
was becoming drowsy and fatigued wrote on
for some time, for nfnty Of subjects seemed to
rise in my mind one after the other | was Just
parting with my two pointers to an old college
friend, when was interrupted by some one knock
ing at the door. | opened it. Dc Courcay was
there.
"What, is it time already a. l exclaimed.
''lt is indeedn
"Well had no idea it was SO late, and have not
yet had any rest. I have been occupied with the
will which you remembered me to draw up"
Il hope there will be no necessity for it, Do not
let it prey upon you"
81 have sort Of presentmcnt, De Courcay--"
"Pooh, man! come along. My cab is at the door.
Wash your face, and let's be off,
followed my friends request, and feeling re-
freshed, fastened down to the street, having pre-
viousy cast along look at this abode, which GER
tainly do not reccolcct before having any par
ticular previous attachment for, and have even ac
cused Of being shabby hole for the rent which
paid
After half an hours drive we arrived at the ap-
pointed spot, field near Kilburn.
My adversary and his second had arrived on the
ground first His second advanced to meet De
Courcay They raised their hats, spoke tegcther
for short time evidently arranging the prelimina-
ries During this time had an opportunity of OBJ
serving my opponent, of whom in fact had very
imperfect conception for the night of the ball of
ill-tated termination | exchanged but few angry
words with him. lie now appeared u tall, powerful
man, with harsh features red hair ditto moustache,
with ferocious scowl upon his countenance which
seemed occasionally to rise into he glanced
at me, and there was an impatient movement and
twitching of his hand, as if he seemed annoyed at
the length of the conversation, and anxious to
dispatch me-
| At length, De Courcay advanced to me, and said -
1--WE have arranged everything. We were argu-
ing to the distance it has at length been decided
on twenty PAGES instead Of fifteen, which | am to
measure"
| cannot say but that felt sort of pleasure at
this unusual distance being chosen, for it gave me
greater opportunity of escaping that savage, who
was evidently medltating my sacrifice in the most
bloody-thirsty way.
De Courcay scratched q place on the fresh turf,
and proceeded to walk over the ground. had in
wardly congratulated myself upon the length his
legs but to my SURPRISE his steps were rs mncing
as dancing master and he at length brought up
at very short distance, to which my opponent now
advanced and placed himself; but | could have
sworn that when my friend turned his back he took
q step in advance Of his right position.
De Courcay placed pistol in my hand, whisper
ing to me to be cool and collected not to fire too
high, and to keep my eye fixed on my opponent.
Then followed a sort of discussion with himself, as
to whether should be placed cdgeways or in full
front, he ut the same time obligingly descanting
upon the various chances which each position Of
fered. At length he decided that, as was remark
ably thin, and would almost present sharp edge
! to my adversary, that had better turn my side.
With another parting admonition tn be COOL he left
me, telling me that my opponents second to
give the word one, two, three, at which | was to
fire. When looked again at my enemy he was
within at least fifteen PAGES ofme, having taken the
opportunity OF our discussion to make furthcr'ad-
vance, Barbarous as was this proceeding, and ad-
to all propriety felt should only be betray
ing cowardice to draw attention to the fact. But
| kept my eye upon him, determined that my bull
let should take deadly effect. His second, with q
loud and clear voice. said "Gentlemen are you rea-
dy--one" whea to my astonshment, saw my ad-
versary raise his arm, and at the word two take de-
liberate aim at me, contrary to all English usage.
But Tbefore the second pronounced three" which
the signal to fire, his pistol raised poised
[ saw that it covered me, and in an instant the
deadly discharge roared from its mouth | felt 4
sudden shock in my right shoulder, and then the
limb grew cold as ice. My friend De Courcay ex-
claimed, as he flew to me, This beyond all endu-
rance, you have attempted to murder my friend,
and you shall repent it, sir, by heaven, Il
"No--no, De Courcay, he has fought after his
own savage fashion, and if am to die, he shall pay
dearly for it--stand asde-let me- and | tried to
raise my pistol, and push my friend away, that
might take vengeance upon the fend who stood
coolly grinning at With great exertion raised
the pistol tried to pull the trigger but could not
when my friend once more ntertered and seized my
arm, exclaiming ''Vernon this cannot be; leave
the scoundrel to the law
| Il l.
boiled, and sought only for vengeance. We scuf-
| fled together for moment when exhausted and
overcome by my wound, fell to the ground, drag
| ging De Courcay with me; | tainted from loss of
blood. Suddenly was aroused by some one shak-
ing me- raised myself and looked wildly round.
Get up, Vernon; get up, man. cried the voice
of De Courcay.
Up for what 2"
"For what 7" he replied; to save your character
and mine. Why it is half past five, and we are to
be ON the ground at six, and have been tying to
wake you this last five minutes"
What" said |, "have not fought him and been
wounded p
"The deuce bit, except he has been here in the
night. Why you've been dreaming, man."
1t was true, after sealing and addressing the
packet had drawn the table up to the side of the
bed, where had soon after fallen fast asleep.
Then, | suppose, | must be shot again"
Il hope not" said my friend, 'but come, be quick
| hurried on my things, and in few minutes we
were flying away at full speed to the place of rem
devious. When we arrived there we had still three
minutes to spare We looked around, but were ev-
|