New Orleans daily crescent. [volume] ([New Orleans, La.]) 1851-1866, 1854-06-30
THE DUEL

THE DUEL
| One September went down to Bath to recruit
little dyspep ia, which had been some months
impending on my diaphragm. Among the pleas
ant acquaintanees made was that of n young
officer of dragons, who occupied the adjoining
apartment to my own. He was singulariy un-
fitted for his vocation for he was of slight build
and delicate in his looks aud demeanor. He
looked if he was better fitted for life of quiet
retirement IN some country rectery, than one Of
| hustle in a barrack or camp. He had travelled
extensively, however, and was very commnni-
catiVe upon every subject except himself and
family. t ~
| One afternoon. just before twilight, we were
| together in the pump room talking about quit
ting it for q promenade, when, as we passed a
group who seemed to be strangers just arrived
felt my companions arm twtch in my own, and
his frame shudder He stopped, as of course did
[, being arms linked with him He half turned
toward the group. when | heard the words:
Why, Julia Langton was any body's favor
ite! followed by n laugh from one, and sly
nudge from another, directed towards q foreign
| looking fellow, who, as these things were said
and done, otroked his whskers very curnplai-
sanity, and looked knowingly; but before | had
time to carefully scan him, the young officer
sprang from my side towards the group, and
with extraordinary ferceness, cried: g Y gu are
| Ii udnu Oh uaTS!
Instantly the similarity of the name Just
banded with his own crossed my mind
"Hello who the devil are you - cried one
of them, while all stared H
"Pooh he's drunk-the Bath waters have
proved too much for him ~ said another.
(Which of you spike of the lady just named =
said my late companion.
''Oh jealous, is he--jealous, by the gods .
responded the person with the whiskers, as he
stroked them more complasantly than ever
IS but don't disturb yourself, sir, can't spare
my little Julia, anyhow ;"
The words had scarcely crossed his lips when
| he fell PROSTATE on the floor, felled by blow
from the young officer, whose arm, if slender,
was versed either in science, or was powerful,
nerved. Instantly the other companions sprang
upon him, while the fallen man was bleeding
protusely from the nose. His face otherwise
was white with mingled fright, surprise and
rage He was raised from TIE ground by his
| friends.
$50 will | serve any one who insults my sis
ter said the officer, Cornet Langton, as hit
extended his card, and reioined me, with hi
excitement somewhat subsidized The cool air ol
the street reassured him, and he revived
" 1t was my sister, Sir" said he, in explana-
ton my only relative, who, unfortunately
was educated at a fashionable school, and is
coquettish and fond of admiration but as pure
and holy in virtue as n saint To think of her
being named in public place like that -
| endeavored to calm him. | spoke OF the
probable thoughtlessness, rashness and igno-
rance of the men but it was hard to calm him.
"Of course | shall be challenged" said he
81 think not | answered. ssWhen they
learn the relationship, it will be seen at once
that you could have done nothing else. He will
withdraw the expression, and you the blow
He slightly laughed and said, q Perhaps so (;
but | am prepared to fight for my sisters honor
| at all hazards
We parted for the night; and, sure enough,
! in two hours time, one OF the party waited upon
me at my room, and said, 81 am Mr. -, the
second of Rupert Rawdon, whom your frienu
struck l am referred to you as his friend''
What, already y inquired l.
Yes, and the meeting must be tomorrow
morning.
SsThat is as we say,'' responded I, So for we
| are challenged. 1t is a short time
cline insult was given in shorter time than
that" said the man, with some bitterness, yel
still lofty in his politeness
"Well, be it so,'' said " Cornet Langtor
will agree to it, am sure Pistols, suppose
and ten pacess"
My antagonist nodded, and said: q | suppose
you know who my friend is?n
81 have no idea; never saw him before''
ssWell, he is u most accomplished shot, and as
sure as the sun rises your friend will be killed
| give you this hint, that no precautions may b.
neglected for the lving.o
We parted, and | returned to Langton III,
was sitting in his accustomed seat by writing
desk He was in dishabllle, turning over SOM
papers, and before him lay portrait.
Here she is now he said, holding it before
| me, ''as she was in her tenth year--darling
Julia-as used to draw her in her little wagon
on the Brighton sands. We are motherless anu
1 buf 7 ,uil
your HONOR and he covered the picture with
| Kisses
| 9 But now to business said he ssWhen au
| | to shoot him "
| This was in n tone of affected hilarity.
! "Pe1haps it may be altered said |, gra7ely
| He tried to get up laugh, but then said
solemnly, g shall not fall. Do you see this
ring 1t has the motto of our family, given it
| years ago by royal license on the field of vic
tory Tor deeds OF valor: Dteu protfgera Il
droH'-(God will protect the rightD Ishall
| sh OF him, for | am right
g You make no will, then? You give no di.
| reetions whatever'" said l.
g None. l tell you l shall not fall, nor be
| harmed"
thought ofwhat my antagonist of second
had said about his principal being good shot,
but reflected, if rel Gated it, it might unnerve
him; 30, seeing his mood, | encouraged him,
and in a short time We were quite gay-that is,
to appearances-but | have no doubt he was as
sinking of heart as myself
We sat and chatted until daybreak, and he
told me the story of his life, There was little
of romance or general interest in its details: u
recital Of happy existence--love and domestic
bliss--only one slight shade, and that his sis
ter's volatility ofmanner, giddiness and thought
lessness, which had often made her the subject
of observation, but never before of insult. She
was now in London with a distant connection
She with himself, had little landed property,
from which some reasonableincome was derive l.
As soon as the dim light of approaching day
struggled through the window we parted-he to
bath, and to an adjustment of pistols and
little particulars The former had borrowed
of a friend in an adjoining street, who had been
on the continent, BY queer device the sight
was tipped with a delicate diamond, and the
trigger, pressed when its CLEAN obscured the
object from the eye, he said, was indicative of
certain death, 1t seemed reasonable, and felt
my spirits rise, Notwithstanding the other was
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