Clarksville chronicle. (Clarksville, Tenn.) 1857-1865, 1858-02-19
Original Nopsllettt.
t.sI Written for the Cleykspilk ChrOniels.l
IDA HOLMES,
sid=s'rT eu OR THE iF
Belle Of the Fort.
sg p. ". THOMAS,
Author Of the "YOung Colonel the "Reffuge ;
Silly Dale" the "Convent Prisoner"
.dsG "Jane Maston," the "Bride Of
'r- 81 AM Hour" &C., &c.
CHAPTER v.


The morning following his mishap,
Capt. Fritz arose with a nose enormously
enlarged and ludicrously out of shape, and
with one eye blind to the deformity in
such close proximity. One glance at his
mirror showed him that his beauty was
efectually marred, for the present at least,
and dreading to be seen in such misera-
BILE plight, he reported himself on the sick
list, resolved to keep close quarters until
he was himself again But, in the mean
time, the proper steps to vindicate his
honor and satiate his thirst for ven
geance must not be delayed; and as soon
as the surgeon had re-dressed his wounds,
he drew up challenge in due form and
sent it to Wilmer, by the first Ensign
The cartel dispatched, he next dispatched
his breakfast, which he had scarcely done
when the following note was handed him,
by the bearer of his challenge,
TO Carr. H. FRIrz. D
''SrR Your note by the hands of your
friend, has been duly received. In reply,
j have only to say that your conduct, last
night confirmed the opinion, long enter
tanned, that you are scoundrel, and |
can not agree to take any step that may
lead TO an acknowledgment, on my part,
Of any equality between us.
CHARLES WILMER"
Fritz fred off volley of oaths and
epithets, by way of giving vent to his
rage, and having nearly exhausted his
stock of ammunition, he turned to the
Ensign and asked what he thought of the
note.
at convinces me, Captain, of what l
have long suspected, that Wilmer is a
coward" ..f.... ......
"And what is to be done in such case,
Ensign?" .sa SOB ff#
"Court-martial, him, Captain, for strik-
ing his superior officer, and for cowardice
in refusing to give such satisfaction as
gentleman has a right to demand. The
charges will be sustained, and the Lieu
tenant cashiered and turned out of the
fort, in disgrace"
II have no other remedy said Fritz,
'.and the sooner it is applied, the better"
And seating himself at the table, he drew
up the, charges and forwarded them to the
General, with the request that the
trial might come on at once, and in his
room.
Pending these movements, Wilmer had
again requested an interview with the
Genera, which was fatty refused, and the
refusal accompanied with a hint, that the
interview, when granted, would probably
be in public At loss to account fer
such treatment, he called on Maj, Dade
and asked an explanation of him.
"My dear fellow" said the Major, 81
have, just this moment, heard of your
affair with Fritz, last night, and have no
doubt, complaint against you has been
laid before the General. Should such
pIuNo " w NhV NdSSj gou VIII w OAVSu w
trial this morning, and have sad misgiv-
ings as to the result. No doubt, Fritz
deserved all you gave him, but you know
the strictnoss with which discipline is en-
forced here, aud would give years pay
TO undo what is done"
The Major was right. Wilmer had
scarcely entered his quarters, when an
officer summoned him to appear before a
COurt.martial which would convene at 8
o'clock, in the quarters of Capt Fritz.
.''The proceeding is somewhat summary
sir !" said Wilmer, to the officer, "but you
may inform the General that | shall be
ready at tho appointed hour"
81 can send your message, sir by an
Othest' said the Sergeant, "but my in
structions are TO stand guard at your door
until you are called fOr." -
Then IL is feared that I may attempt