Yorkville enquirer. [volume] (Yorkville, S.C.) 1855-2006, 1859-04-14


On reching my chamber, | examined the
card which had been handed me, and found
inscribed thereon the name Of Captain Achll-
les Brown. No doubt he possessed the
qualities which characterized bis great name
sake, and it made me sbiver even to think
of a conflict with him. Resolving that
would take every possible means to avoid It,
I went to bed and sank into slumber dis
turbed by delightful dreams, in which |
faucied myself shot through the heart by
the terrible Captain Achilles Brown.
Early the next morning, while in momen-
tary expectation of hearing the breakfast
bell, Twas startled by a knock at my door.
Immediately afterwards entered tall man
bearded like bard -,
He introduced himself to me as cousin
of Sophrouia, and intiulated that, having
heard of my difficulty with Captain Achilles
Brown, he had come to offer ME his services
as my second.
Thanking him for his kindness, [ intima'
ted that I had not yet decided to call out
the gentleman in question.
Not decidedv said my visitor, springing
to his feet, causing me to recede two paces'
in some personal apprehension. Not decl.
ded but perhaps I do not understand you.
I intimated, rather uncomfnrtably, that |
had conscientious scruples against the prac-
tice of the duello. :. -. :
conscientious fddlestieks = interrupted
my visitor Sir, you must fight. There is
no alternative. A lady has been insu1ted
while under your protection. That lady is
my cousin. Unless you take notice of it, l
must = >
Il shan be very glad to have you,' said l.
eagerly thinking to shift the duel upon him.
you misunderstood me, said he, grave
ly. Unless you challenge Captain Achilles
Blown, I shall understand it as personal
disrespect fo2 my cousin, and shall challenge
you. Choose which of US you will fight
This was said so resolutely that succum.
bed at once. Placed between Scylla and
Charybdis, I avoided the one that was near
est.
Shall write the missive p inquired my
companion, who called himself Lieutenant
Eustce.
Yes said I, family.
He sat down at my desk, aud in few
minutes produced the, following ~ >.
CAPTAIN ACHILLES BRowN-Sr: : You
grossly iusulted young lady, while under
my protection, last evening. AS a man of
honor, I call upon you either for an ample
apology, or for the usual satisfaction accorded
in such cases. 1 send this by Lieutenant
Eustace. who is authorized to act as my Sec
ond. Yours, &c., PETER SMITH.
Having signed this with some misgivings.
I inquired as to the character of Captain
Brown.
i don't know much about him. replied
my friend, sbut T presume he is a regular
6reeater.'
This was consoling-very.
Suppose said I, in .tremulous voice,
you erase the word. ample before APOLOGY
shall consider any apology2suf6cient.'
sBut I shall not, replied the Lieutenant.
There was no more to be said. He depar
ted with the missive, and I was left in no
very enviable frame of mind. Two hours
after, the Lieutenant returned in very high
spirits.
HAS be apologized p I inquired, eagerly.
Not bit of it, was the reply. He says
he will shed the last drop Of blood first
What sanguinary monster he must be !
was my internal reflection.
'Tbe meeting is appointed for to morrow
morning at sunrise, returned the Lieuten
ant. Weapons, pistols-distauce, fifteen
paces.', ~, .-..r..'
Isn't-that rather near?' I ventured to re-
mark.
Near? of course; you want it near
You'll be more apt to hit your man.
sAnd he'll be more likely to hit pe,' re-
joined.
of course was the careless reply; 'you
must take your chance of that
wondered whether he would be so con-
founded cool about it if he we're the princi-
pal. In fact, as I have often observed, Sec
onds are much more scrupulous about the
honor of their principals than they are dis
posed to be of their own. suppose it is
human nature. I think it altogether likely
that I might make very fierce second.
Il suppose you are used to pistols?' obser-
we'd my friend
used to pistols! remember once firing
one when boy, to the imminent danger of
my little sisters's life. Since that time, |
have not had one in my hands
As I stroll.d out into the street, in an un-
happy frame of mind, a newsboy thrust into
my hands newspaper, which mechanical
ly bought. In looking over the columns, |
observed that boat was advertised as about
to start that day for Havana. The hour of
departure was four in the afternoon A sud.
den thought struck me. Would it not be
much better to embark for Cuba than stay
and be shot, since this would undoubtedly
be the result of the duel contemplated?
With newborn alacrity, l Immediately re-
paired to the boat, and desired to see the
agent. He informed me that the boat
would start at the hour Indicated | asked
to see the list Of passengers. Running my
eve causually down the list, my heart beat
quickly as my eye rested on the last name.