Mineral Point tribune. [volume] (Mineral Point, Wis.) 1854-1858, 1856-04-15

{ N"-iN
Terlies to questions proposed by the chief-mate
had matters of serious import to communicate =
| The interview with Captain Shelldrale was not
OF lorS duration ; and when they left the brig
| they smiled grinily when their eyes met They
had evidently accomplished their mission in a
| style satisfactory to themselves at least,-thev
bad been doing what they considered good
Christian work. They had brought a per
emptory challenge from Morton to meet the
insulted and Infatuated Englishman, on the
beach, back of Moro Castle, at five o'clock that
afternoon, and there, where the surf beats an
grlly against the rocks, with pistols. gunpow-
der and bullets, render to gentleman the only
possible reparation 1or his wounded honor.
Shelldrake was no fre-eater; he had never
acted as second or third in a duel but he
promptly consented to be on the spot at the ap-
pointed hour and give Mr. Morton an opportuni-
ty to be shot at until the stain upon his reputa-
tion was effaced by an effusion of blood and his
satisfaction was complete
On board the brig Rhinoceros was tight
built, lively Milesian a native of Dublin, of re-
spectacle parentage, and good education. For
some of his youthful escapedes be had been ex-
FN44S- i'Oii iiiuliN udl IeIj ms nome ana his
country, and adopted the occupation of sailor.
He was warm hearted fellow, Patrick O'Blar-
ney, but fond OF glass of grog, and terribly
given to fighting, especially when in his cups
He had a set-to at different times with every
one Of his shipmates, and was seldom seen
without exhibiting, by way of ornament, dark
looking circle surrounding one of his eyes. At
the particular time to which we refer, both Of his
eyes We're encircled by these badges of mourn
ing, and one Of them was swollen out Of all re-
spectacle proportion,
Patrick" said Captain Shelldrakc, with a
kind and patronizing air, TO this rugnacious
lrishman on this memorable morning " Pat
rick, you fond Of fighting, and always look
out for chance. What would You say now, if
I would give you opportunity TO fight a duel
in style, with pistols, at ten PAGES, and gentle
man your antagonist o.
Only say that, Captain, dear, and it would
be the most charming words that ever came out
of your honor's windpipe,' said Patrick, ca
gerly. Plant my man fair at ten or fifteen
PAGES, and if l dent wing him handsomely at
the first SHOT, call me land-lubber forever after
that -
"Y You shall be gratifed, Patrick A gentle
man, an English gentleman (Patrick's eyes
glistened) has challenged me- and l have ac-
cepted the challenge. AS I have high opin-
ion Of your courage and address. viii turn him
over to you, and I hope you viii give n good ac-
count of him. The affair is to take place this
afternoon
The sooner the better :" exclaimed Patrick
O'Blarney, cutting pigeon wing in the ex-
uberance of his joy. " But" added he, in a
hesitating tone, my duds are not so neat and
fashionable as could be wished, and have no
long togs in my chest. What 8 Ill do in that
case %
Oh, that difficulty is easily remedied, said
the Captain. g" viii take care that YOU shall
look like gentleman, and when We get on the
ground ! trust you viii act like one"
." Ii comes natural to me, your honor. When
I shoot him through the right shoulder, rs sLoot
him | VIII, he shall confess that it was done il
the most easy and gentlemanly way possible"
At the appointed hour there was quite
gathering upon the beach, back Of the Moro
Castle. Morton, accompanied by a couple Of
friends and surgeon, was punctually on the
spot. He was soon joined by Shelldrake and
'
circle aronnd his eyes, locked passably well.
arrayed in 4 suit of black, furnished hIm for TIE
occasion by ShelldraI<e. Tie rumor of the duel
had been spread by some means and a number
Of gentlemen had kindly attended to witness
the proceedings
Morton looked and seemed much agitated be
evidently longed for some excuse for breaking
off the duel, and one Of his seconds Iin,ed to
Shelldrake that the Euglishman, though n cap
ital shot, being always sure Of his man, would
except Of apology, if it was rendered in a
conciliatory spirit, and they could thus quit the
ground good friends
al did not come here TO apologize" exclaimed
the Yankee" and L suppose your friend came
here to fight. Let us attend to business y
He measured off ten PAGES, told Mortons sec
ond to place his man. loaded a brace of pistols
and handed one to Morton. The other be gave
to Mr.. Delaney, who clutcLed ii eagerly, and
took bis ground. while ferocious smile tighten
ed up his features
ow," said Shelldrake, stepping aside,
will give the word !"
Stop" exclaimed Morton What is the
meaning of this Who is that gentleman 2"
T. L
O'Blarney, worthy gentleman, of the incest
honor, who kindly consented to act as my repre-
sentative on this occasion"
d" But I have no quarrel with him." said the
astouished Morton"
d" You soon will have, my darling" said Pat
rick, in his richest brogue, unless you stand
your ground and fight like man"
But Mr. Morton insisted on parley, and de-
manded an explanation.
Nothing more easy !" replied Shelldrake.-
" You kicked my dog and kicked you, by far
the most ignoble animal Of the two. Thus far
you have no good reason to complain never
theless, you challenge me TO fight. Now, have
no particular desire TO lodge a bullet In you >
besides such an act might put myself as well as
you TO inconvenience; furthermore, and to con-
+ fess the truth, have great repugnance to be-