Weekly Trinity journal., 1858-02-06
THE DUEL WITH REVOLVERS
AND ARKANSAS TOOTHPICKs.

AND ARKANSAS TOOTHPICKS.
IN all the wild regions of Arkansas, that for
mery famous domain of the duest and the des-
perado, there was no section settled by pOpu-
lation at once so respectable and SO lawess, as
the mammoth county of Washington. The coun-
try seemed happily filed, in its different divi-
sions, for the various pursuits of the farmer, the
hunter, and the herdsmaD, but more than ALL as
an asylum for the refugees, whom fear, misfor-
tune, or crime, had driven from their homes in
other lands.
Many instances might be enumerated of the
pressing necessity which compelled the most quiet
class Of citizens to assume the attitude of reckless
desperation, after their removal to Washington
county. Every member OF the medical or legal
profession, every candidate for any popular po-
siton, had, at the outset TO pass through the or
deal, devised as the best of proves, by one or
more competitors and if he did not prove to be
of the true mettle, he might abandon all hopes of
success at once. A youthful and modest lawyer
opened his Office in the town of Fayetteville, and
the day afterwards prosecuted civil suit in the
District Court against notorious bully by the
name of Reynolds The latter took offence at the
commendable, though perfectly courteous zeal
which the attorney had manifested in the cause of
his client, and upon the adjournment, challenged
him to mortal combat. The other, not, however,
without an earnest remonstrance and vain at
tempt at reconciliation. accepted the muTderons
issue, and with the first s5ot made his antagonist
a cripple for life. Henceforth everybody let him
alone he amassed an ample fortune, and now
sits on the highest Bench in the State.
Another counsellor, of deeper learning and far
greater genidsy commenced business about the
same time. Unfortunately, he happened to be
deficient in courage, and submitted to the dis
graceful lash of the horsewbp From that hour
he could never obtain hearing from either Judge
or jury, and men avoided his companionship as
if he had been infected with the plague.
Among the most quiet and orderly of the early
settlers were the four brothers of family called
Willis, from North Carolina They all belonged
TO the Methodist denomination, and seemed to be
models Of piety, temperance and persevering in
dustry. Having some property, the basis for
their operations, they embarked in commercial
pursuits, and soon became wealthy. But their
religious and moral habits underwent change
FOR the worse, in the same ratio as their material
prosperity advanced; yet still none of their hands
had been stained by human blood, and they had
the reputation of being timid rather than brave
Al all events, they had so managed for half
dozen years, to elude any decisive test OF their
proves. and this could only be done by many
concessions.
AT length dispute originated in some part
nership transaction, between the eldest brother,
familiarly named ALI, and one Jack Howell, the
most dreadful duelist in the country, indeed, the
object Of almost universal fear. The latter chal-
leDged the former to hostile interview and the
BaRe VI utttie DeluS Feiuee0, n mprclleS5 uhgeHG
tlon with the cane was the consequence. The
youngest Willis, called Arthur, happened to pass
along the street at the moment of the shameful
punishment, aud rushed in wild excitement to the
scene Howell, after striking till his arm grew
weary, aud the victim of his brutality was bleed
aug at innumerable wounds, on turning round,
bebeid lace pale as marble, yet writhing with
spasms of unutterable rage, and illumined by
eyes flashing the icrcest fires of revenge.
DO you desire taste OF the same stick which
your brother has enjoyed so beautifully? p de-
manded The duelist, in accents of scorn.
'fes, if you dare to give it, replied the youth,
IN thrilling whisper, that sounded weird and
awful, like the tones of some Internal music
Howell took one step forwards, and raised his
caney but Instantly recoled, as if from the fangs
OF viper, when be saw the other snatch from his
bosom huge dagger nearly as long his arm
and advance to the encounter. He threw down
his stick and pulled out pistol but the by.
ISLANDERS here interposed, and General Sneed, the
sovereign authority in such cases, FASTENED to
remark, that these affairs ought to be adjusted
on the field of honor, and not by vulgar struggles
in the public square'
Yes but the coward will not meet me as a
gentleman y exclaimed Howell, grinding his teeth
and ioaming at the mouth like wild beast.
You lie y retorted young Willis, in the same
kissing, horrible whisper.
When shall it be ?? enquired the duelist, aston
ished at the reckless temerty of the other.
Now, now! the sooner the better = cried the
youth, in voice of burning mpatience.
What shall be the weaponsF
"Colts revolvers and Arkansas tooth picks =
responded Arthur, with a sudden smile, menacing
and lurid as the fame from forge.
The parties then procured their seconds, ar
ranged the terms of the intended combat, and
proceeded to the ground on neighboring hill
top, followed by nearly all the male population
Of the village.
Az the principals marched to their respective
stations, twenty PAGES apart, with the privilege
OF moving forward at the signal the deadly char
acter OF the coming conflict caused many a stout
heart TO tremble with anxious expectation Each
antagonist held heavy revolver in his right
hand and the huge tooth pick of death in his left,
ready to discharge six rounds, and if these failed
10 snuff out the quiverng candle of life, then to
decide the mortal issue by the clash of sharp
steel.
A striking contrast might be noticed in the
appearance and countenanees of the two adver-
ssries. Jack Howell was tall, almost gigantic in
stature, with a rich, healthy complexion, regular
features, proud and naughty, dark, glittering
eyes, and cruel, sneering lips. He appeared cool,
and confident OF victory, and evidently regarded
his foe as unworthy of the lead which be must
deal him.
On the contrary, Arthur Willis was of only
moderate height, and extremely slender, with
pale face, fair and smooth as that of a girl, with
golden locks and bright blue eyes, small and pier
cling as daggeps. His mouth was slight, but firm,
and his chin had massive breadth and solidiry |
that nearly resembled actual defOrmity. He |
stood motionless as an iron statue. with his gaze
e2ea e:; :bo form of his opponent, like the eye of
the eagle watching his prey from afar. No trace
OF revengeful feeling could be detected on his