The Placer herald., 1858-10-02

matrimony, l should like to have done with
YOU
'Oh. obj
Our quarrel has now lasted for nineteen
years do not wish to continue a style of
life which my wife might consider not only
exactly comfortable; and therefore, in virtue
of the fourth article Of our treaty, l am
come to propose a change in the mode of
combat, and SO have final meeting, the re-
suit of which shall be decisive. We will
fight with pistols
You don't think of such thngr cried
Fournier, in astonishment
I know that is your strong point; but to
equal the chances, we will do this, if you
like. One of my friends has at Neuilly, an
nclosure planted with trees, and completely
surrounded with walls; there are two doors
to it, one at each end. On day, at an hour
to be agreed upon, we will go 20 the inclo-
sure separately, armed with our two holster
pistols ready loaded, to take single shot
with each. We will try which can find the
other, and whoever catches sight of the 9TH
er, shall fire.
That's droll idea.'
Does it suit you?'
Ten O'Clock on Thursday morning-will
that dog
That's it; agreed. Adieu, till Thursday?'
The hour and the day determined on, they
were punctual at their rendezvous As soon
as they were inside the enclosure, the two
antagonists sought after each other cautious
ly, halting to listen at every step. They ad-
vanced slowly, with their cooked pistols in
their hands, eye on the watch, and ear all
attention. At the turn of an alley they
perceived each other by rapid motion they
threw themselves behind the trunks of a
couple of trees; in this position they remain
ed for a considerable time, when Dupont re-
solved to act. At first be gently waved the
tail of his coat just outside the tree which
protected him; he then protruded half the
thickness of the heshy part of his arm, draw
ing it back again instantly. 1t was lucky
for him that he did so for Immediately after
wards, bullet sent a large piece Of bark
flying. Fournier bad lost shot.
la the course of few minutes, Dupont
recommended the same vancouver on the
opposite side of the tree-trunk, and he en-
beshed his original idea by showing the
tip of his pistol barrel, as if he in turn were
watching for an opportunity to fire. Hold
ing his hat in his right hand, he displayed it
as far as the rim. In twinkling, the hat
was blown away; fortunately, there was no
head inside it, Fournier, therefore, had vast
ed his second bnlet.
Dupont then sailed from his fortress, and
marched up to his adversary, who awaited
him in the attitude of brave man for whom
there is no further hope. When dupont
was within couple Of PAGES Of bis enemy,
he said:
4 can kill you, if like; it is my right and
my privilege; but | cannot fire at a human
creature in cold blood. Ispare your life'
AS you please
spare it to-day, you understand clearly;
but remain the master of my own proper
ty, of which allow you the provisional en-
jjoyment. But if ever you give me any trou-
ble, if ever you try to pick quarrel with
me, | shall take the liberty of reminding
you that am the lawful yner of a couple
of bullets especially destined to be odg ged
in your skull; and we will resume the affair
exactly at the point where l think proper to
leave it to-day
So ended duel which began in seventeen
hundred and ninety four and only finished in
eighteen hundred aud thl teen.