Monmouth weekly herald. [volume] (Freehold, N.J.) 1854-1860, 1858-03-25
CHAPTER III.
H COMBAT.

~
"Dogs are curious animals" said the
young traveller whom we have described
regarding Fldo, and at the sar.e time
lighting his cigar.
Fido, as if conscious of being the sub
iect of conversation. crept to his masters
side and skunk behind his chair. Clinton
paid no attention to the remark, but be-
gan to make preparations for continuing
his journey homeward.
"Curious animals" continued the
Young man, who was evidently anxious of
saying or doing something to gain the
appreciation of his companions. by the
way, did you ever sec a dog smoke 2"
Never"
:" 1t is a pity: thev are the finest smok-
ers in the world. IF you @oufS like to
see the operation I promise to make that
cur smoke my cigar down to nothing"
"Good!" exclaimed his companions. (
Clinton said nothing. The young man
began to call Fido. who remained obsti,
nately behind his masters chair; at last
he advanced, and took the dog by the
ears, and in spite of his resistance dragged
him to the centre Of the room. Clinton's
eyes flashed fire, but.he said not word.
As for the young traveller, he had prom
ised his companions q treat, and could
not easily retreat.
He may not like the taste at first
said he, proceeding to place his cigar be
tween Fido's lips, " but promise you he
will soon get used to it,
"A cry from Fido-a long, pitiful cry
told that in the struggle he was burned.
"Fido, come here.' said the hunter in
a half-suppressed but decided tone.
The poor dog struggled to get free,
but the young man, who had evidently
been piqued by Clintou'z 1ence. still
held the animal my thu ea
young man." said the hunter, pale
with suppressed passion, 9 let my dog
come to mel have called him."
The traveller answered with a sheer.
His companions shrunk back, for they
saw the storm about to burst.
"Do you hear ?" cried Clinton, start
ing to his feet.
"And what if / do 2"
Then obey !"
The young a loosed the dog, but it
was only to advance with a passionate
gesture towards the hunter.
"Do you dare to insult me ?" he said.
"Do you dare to abuse my dog in my
presence" retorted the hunter. By
heavens, if you must vent your abuse on
something, I am at your service"
The young traveller, pale with passion,
but yet calm, regarded Clinton Gxedly.
folding his arms.
"You shall give me satisfaction for
this" he exclaimed.
:" As said before, I am at yoisr ser
vice.
"To-night 2"
ANY time"
"But you have no Witnesses"
One Of your companions will do me that
service"
Be it so.n
In half an hour all things were ar
ranged. 1t being the evening. and the
use of pistols ~inconvenient, one Of the
travellers, who was from the south, sug-
gested the utility Of swords. Clinton
appeared Indifferent his antagonist, who
had learned the use of that weapon, was
delighted; and accordingly a pair of
STU 4dplClo wal pLOouOO0 Jill OAC vi
the travellers trunks.
The landlord, pale with excited fear,
would have ran out to give the alarm,
but one of the travellers took his station
at the door to prevent both egress and
entrance. Fido, who appeared to under
stand the whole affair, stood behind, his
master whining most piteouslY.
The weapons we're placed in the hands
of the two antagonists. and the word was
given to commence. For half d minute
their swords played about each other
carelessly, but to no effect, except that
the first few passes indicated that both
were masters Of the weapon.
Landlord" said Clinton, as calmly
as if he were merely practising for exer-
else, !" roast n of the chickens in my
bag. for after killing this fellow, I shall
want to take a morsel."
You then expect hard work ~ OBJ
served the traveller, getting warm.
"On the contrary, as a proof take
thatH'
Clinton made a rapid thrust, aud
touched his antagonists thigh.
1t is nothing-a mere scratch
"Only a foretaste Of whats to Gomez
interrupted Clinton. 81 think you will
never teach dogs to smoke any more
BY the way, if you have any thing to say
to these complementary last request to
make--spcak, for / am getting impa-
TENT
The traveller was cxasperated by the
GOODNESS OF his antagonist. He made fu-
fious thrusts, which Clinton parted with
all imaginable ease.
Speak" repeated the hunter, ( for Ii
is now near eight o'clock-when the
clock strikes it will be too late p
The traveller said not a word, but the
foam Of rage stood upon His ashy lips,
and the sweat Of agony started from lis
brow. 4 fearful silence ensued, broken