The Ashland union. [volume] (Ashland, Ashland County, Ohio) 1854-1868, 1858-04-13


cd the channel, and about mile distant
from the hall. The path led up through
thick wood of oak, and was beautiful
in scenery a picturesque view of the
sparkling waters of the Channel ever
now and then breaking upon tho sight
through the draped frames of heavy
foliage.
When they had reached the top of the
cliff they found Ringwood already there
with single companion--this compan-
ion being no less a parsonage than Sir
Robert Faigne, gentleman of well
known purity and honor, and of more
than ordinary influence. Augustin had
made his acquaintance in Italy, and had
since retained his warm friendship. Sir
Robert happened to be stopping at Sid
mouth, and thus, had the youth, happily
found him.
The presence of sir Robert Faigne
began to put new light upon the matter
lin Overton's estimation, for he respect
ed that gentleman for his high and hon.
orable standing as well as for his vast
wealth. The two baronets shook hands;
talked awhile on other matters, and
finally began to arrange for the duel
OF its origin they spoke not word, for
Paigne despised Boothby as much as
Overton prejudged Ripgwood.
"How shall we arrange for the fret"
asked the seconds.
"Toss up, uttered Geryon very nor.
vously.
Augustin was appealed to, and he
consented at once.
"Here, Tom" said Overton, having
been thus far instructed by his COM
panion, "you shall be the one to toss
up"
"I call for head !" said Boothby. Ring
wood nodded assent, and Tom tossed up
his half penny. OF course it was head.
Both of the combatants chose to use
their own weapons, and the ground was
paced off; fourteen PAGES having been
decided upon. Boothby had first asked
for only ten PAGES and then twelve, for
he knew he should have the first fire,
and also that half-a-dozea PAGES would
make no odds to his enemy But the
seconds arranged that. The young men
took their places, facing each other
Sir William took out his watch-he was
to count once a second-at the word one
the pistol was to be in readiness; at
taoo it was to be raised; and at three
fred.
Sir William began to count. Ring
wood stood with his arms by his side, as
calm as sleeping child. "One-Two
Three" The report of Geryon Booth
by's pistol rang out loud and clear, but
his antagonist was not touched.
Augustin Ringwood now cooked his
pistol, and for moment he gazed upon
the man before him with more pity than
contempt.
"Geryon Boothby," he said, in tone
the very calmness of which was start.
ling, "there is not q button on your coat
that I could not strike off at will. I
shall hit it if I FIRE. But wish not to
kill you. Acknowledge, here, before
these witnesses, that in all said te
Kate Overton in your hearing, spoke
the truth, and I viii spare you"
Boothby trembled like a leaf, and his
tongue Glove to the roof of his mouth
A few moments before, Sir William
would have answered quickly to this;
but there was something in the calm no.
bility of the young artists face, thai
moved him, especially when he conn ared
it with the look of has friend
"Counti" said the youth, as Boothby
made no answer.
"One-Two-n
At this instant, when Ringwoods's g
pistol was raised, the coward quailed.
"Stop Don't fire l' he gasped.--
+" You told The truth!n
"Sir Robert" spoke the youth, drop
ping the muzzle of his pistol, and turn
ing to his second, "we will go new.''
And without another word they start.
ed An instant, Sir William stood like
one thunderstruck, and then starting up
from the load that was upon him, he
cried:
"iSir Robert, Sir Ro5ertt Hold on.
By heavens, I aoaatt to go along aoitb
your partyt"
When the trio reached the hall, Sir.
William Overton made his companions
stop. When he had reached the draw
ing room he called his daughter. She
came and cry of joy escaped from her
lips when she saw Augustin's life was
safe.
"Kate," he said in broken tone of
voice, 81 will never attempt to make
choice of husband for any body again.
And as for you Augustin, have been
harsh heretofore, let me give you balm
for all the wounds I have caused your
heart. You may take Kate off out of
our way, and keep her as long as you
choose"
An heur afterwards Geryon Boothby
came down and entered the hall, but the