The Carolina Spartan. [volume] (Spartanburg, S.C.) 1852-1896, 1856-07-17
as were assembled that day, either by
chance or design, on the vessel above mon

chance or design, on the vessel above mon
toned. -.
Itis easy TO imagine The effect produced
among such a throng by the appearance OF
young Thornton and his beautiful bride.
Countless expressions in whispers, and even
audible murmurs, were uttered as they
passed, such as, "Who are theyp "Can It
be his sistera" How prettyn aWhat an
eyeH as sire his wifel' and a hundred
other idle sentences, some ofthem as idle as
they were foolish and unfounded. Among
the persons who seemed TO take the most
delight in such expressions Of impertinent
curiosity and suggestions of ofwanton thought,
were !wo gamblers, seated at card table
near tho bar, which is always situated at
tho extreme front OF The cabin.
One of these, n small, dark man, with a
restless countenance, a squealing, disagreea-
bic voice, and the profile of hawk, ad.
dressed the other: "Well, Captain Turner,
what do you think ofour new lady passon-
gerl Is she wife or sister?'
The other, who was n mighty mass of
bono and sinew, with keen gray eyes and
enormous whisllers, made answer: 81 can
not tell, Doctor French; but | intend to
find out" .
should like to know how you expect to
manage so delicate matter?" said the
hawks profile, with dubious shake Of tho
head.
b II will ask the gentleman, her compan-
Ton, if cannot satisfy myself by any other
means," replied Captain Turner.
IL would rather not stand in your boots
when you do that" remarked DR.. French,
dryly.
"Why no;l" inquired Turaer, with a
sudden look Of anger.
'Bccnuse, ii my judgment is worth any
thing, l regard the youth as the most dan
gerous person to meddle with that rccoI-
lect ever 10 have seen before,p answered the
doctor. did you observe what fierce fire
shot from his eyes as he challenged, with
naughty and fearless looks, the gazing
crowd that shrunk before him and opened
wide passage for the two the whole length
Of the hall!"
"Ycs," said Turner, in ferocious tones;
"and it is tha, lofty air of his which hate
it is that proud, defiant couutenance
which | intend 10 humber
"fou had better not try it," urged French,
"for warn you, il will be 40 chid's play"
Il ana not used to child's play" returned
Turner, scornfuny. "As you well know,
have fought several duels with the most
desperate men OH the western waters, and,
although without a scar myself, have each
time killed my adversary. Why then
should be afraid Of this bcardiess bGy.'
Il did not say that you should fear any
body, and could swear that you DO not,"
responded French: "but really l do not
perceive why you desire a quarrel with this
stranger, or what injury he can possibly
have done you; and il is sheer madness 10
light without n cause"
'lt is necessary TO have a brush now and
then, If for no other reason, in order 10 keep
one's hand in practice" said Turner, with o
murdelols smile; "and, besides, ii is now
almost year since shot anybody; and as
there is no chance for combat where am
known, must get up one with stranger,
and this youth looks Ike the right sort Of
stuff to serve my purpose"
captain, | am sure that you must either
be the devil or one of his imps," declared
French, with countenance of tue most un
limited admiration.
The red whiskers bowed with royal dig.
nifty TO tho compliment, remarking with
infinite selfcomplaccncy-"Most persons
who arc acquainted with me think SO, and
would rather face a thousand liends than
the muzzle ofmy single pistol!"-
Some readers may find ii difficult to be-
liese that the above dialogue contains any
thing but fanciful exaggeralion, or that any
human being could be SO Ear brutalized, or,
more properly, demonized, rs to delight in
the shedding of blood for It's own sake, and
without reference to any ulterior end. And
1t is indeed true that such characters of un-
aiioyed internal ferocity, such terrible tiger.
heats, a!e rare, and owe their existence TO
habits rather than nature. They are the
inevitable products of long ami unre-
stricted indulgence of tho vindictiyo pas
sions. The desperate Of this ultra, red
handed type, becomes so by almost imper
ceptible degrees; and of this the previous
history Of Captain Turner afforded both
illustration and positive proof. He first
killed man in q sudden rencounter in tho
justitiable defence of his own life. Out of
that homicide arose duel, in which he
was forced to slay another. These com.
bats happened in the State of Arkansas,
where he had before been youth Of the
purest character, and the most brilliant
promise. Then followed applause and fiat.
terry from the multitude, smiles from the
ladies, and courteous respect from the gen.
tlemen. Look not grave, o philosopher
Brown not, compassionate fair oue!-for it
is an eternal instinct in the souls of both
male and female, but especially Of the fo-
male, to detost the coward and admire the
brave. We will DO homage to the highest
courage, TO the wondrous daring which
Scorns and defes DEATH that arch-enemy
and conqueror Of us all, in spite Of educa-
tlon, in spite of reason, and notwithstand-
Ing the bravery which we idoIiao may be
eXerted in a wicked cause.
ltwas thus that young Turner acquired
the reputation of a hero. Fatal famel-for