The Alleghanian. [volume] (Ebensburg, Pa.) 1859-1865, 1861-02-14

cut brain. l tell you the game begins to
tire me, and the foolish hilarity of our
comrades adds to my impatience, and
hardly covers the murmurs of Indignation
which your conduct has provoked in the
minds of those present. Quit! quit.Itell
you it is now time"
After saying this he turned his back to
him, and withdrew into an adjacent hall,
whittier he was soon followed by his COM
panions, who, by their thoughtless laugh
ter, covered his reproaches. Seated around
the gaming table, they began to play
The young lieutenant, judging by the
noise produced by his folly, had forgotten
the insult, played desperately, and was
winning largely. Butan hour had scarce
ly elapsed when the man in black entered
the hall of play, and approached him,
tapped him on the shoulder, demanding
private interview. The young Hetenant,
looking at him over his shoulder, laughed
in his face.
"Monsieur Officer" said the man in
black, II am not schoolmaster, as you
were pleased to call me. | demand Of
YOU all satisfaction 1t is due to me, and
[ hope you will not refuse it if you do, [
know we'll the means TO obtain it. To-
morrow, at seven O'Clock, [ will wait for
you here arm yourself with pistols ~
Our braggart, who during this discourse
had risen to his feet, and had alternately
became red pale and gave no response, but
bow of acquiescense, in the fear no doubt,
that the emotions of his voice would be-
tray his complete terror. The captain sa-
luted the rest of the company, and imme-
diately left the house.
With him went all the gayety of the
! lieutenant. He became thoughtful and
tacitGrn, his spirit was no more with the
| play. and he lost all he had before
won.
The thought of o-morow-that terrible
Observation-Disclosures him. How much
his adversary would have the advantage
over him.
| Suffering with SO much ealmness a Sc
ries of aifronts Proposing "a duel with
that frmness, that assurance, imperturable
| sang .fi'oid. Bravery and skill were sure
| ly his. Such were the ideas that crowded
into his mind
On leaving the hall, they separated with
the promise to meet at the hour indicated.
At seven o'clock they met; the English
man was already at the rendezvous, clad
in the brilliant uniferm of superior Off
Ger of the navy Of his country, covered
with many decorations, and followed by a
valet richly dressed, who carried small
casket under his arm. He offered them
refreshments, which were accepted; spoke
with courtesy; and proved himself to be
| high minded aud acquainted with the ways
of the world.
At eight o'clock he broke up the sitting
and requested the Prussian officer to be
so kind as to designate the place where
| the quarrel could be settled, adding that
as he was stranger in that place,
lie would willingly give HIM the choice.
They then repaired to Il vast pasturage
which lay between Hamburg and Altoona
Arrived there, he asked I:
What distance will suit you" "
''Twenty-five PAGES"
THAT is too much, Monsieur. You
could not hit me at that distance. Let us
say fifteen; that is enough"
The witnesses agreed, and the PROPOSE
ton was adopted. Meanwhile, the Major
observed to the captain that he had nc
second.
at is not necessary" replied the cap
tain, .if fall, my valet knows what tc
! do"
The Major insisted, and showed hin
that it was contrary to She usaSes OF the
country; according to that morality the
duel could not take place but he offered
with politeness, to allow it to proceed
which offer was accepted.
The ground was measured, and they
took their places. The captain, addressing
his adversary, asked this singular ques
ton
"Iave you good pistols? because | have
| two pair that never miss their mark.
will give you the proof"
Calling his valet, he opened the DO,
and took out one of the pistols which J;
contained, and told him to throw up some
thing in the air. The valet searched il
his pocket, but could find nothing save hi
handkerchief.
"That is too large; find something else.
He then took out dried prune ant
showed it to him.
"That will do: throw J"
The fruit was thrown up, and instantl.
shattered to atoms.
At this proof of his skill the astonish
ment of the spectators was at its height
as to the lieutenant, he was more dea,
than alive.
The captain then took the place assign
ed him, inviting the lieutenant to IRE a
HIM. The Major then stepping betwee'