The Plymouth weekly Democrat. (Plymouth, Ind.) 1860-1869, 1862-03-06
A FIGHT FOR A WIFE.

Some years ago there lived in the State
of Texas an eccentric old planter named
Moses Miller. who had fought duels and
led rather hard life. He was called Old
Nose. and lie had good looking daughter
named Menia. sole daughter Of his house.
and heiress of all his lands and negroes
Menia had many suitors, of course. but
what the old man demanded as the sine
qaa non in his son law vas--not wealth
or distinction. but simply pluck!
A rising young sprig Of the law having
won the affections of the fair Menia. pro-
ceeded to ask her Of her parent. Without
anticipating the least opposition to = step
70 innocent and desirable. the young at
torney. so soon as he had settled the mater
TO their mutual satisfaction with the
daughter. proposed the subject to the "a
ther.
Il am amazed at the extent of your
presumption and ,mpudsnce,' responded
old Nose, with look Of great astonish.
ment. and casting an omiuous glance a:
the silver handle Of his bowie knife.
L can furnish ample proofs as to the
respectability Of my family urged Hilton
by way Of argument.
L care not if you are worth millions.
replied Miller. with An uncommon disdaiu.
full frown.
of what nature, then, can be your
objections?' inquired the youth, in tones
of surprise.
Your wact Of courage was the stern
reply.
L cannot imagine from what fictitious
data you lave deduced your conclusion,
said Hilton. with heightened color.
'Cowardice is so common retorted the
father. that l hold every man a craven
until he shows good evidence 10 the con.
trary.'
What testimony would you have upon
so nice point. asked the young suitor.
with touch of sarcasm in his voice.
Fight duel = exclaimed the other,
imperatively.
But no person has insulted me, or Of
fered the slightest provocatiou for a quar-.
REL affirmed Hilton scarcely able to credit
his senses at such strange suggestion.
You lie. sir!' Numbered old Nose; for
| insul. you. and unless you have the
nerve to accept my challenge. you may
rest assured that my daughter never shall
be yours
Such a combat would disgrace us both,
retorted the lover in accents Of horror.
Did not say that you were a coward:
shouted the dueiist in a towering rage
BE off instantly from my premises. and
never let me see your pala face again with
in league of my dwelling
And he drew his murderous blade 10
enforce prompt obedience; when the dis.
appointed suitor made hurried exit with
out SO much as the usual formalisy Of an
adieu.
But the lnconsoable grief and despair
Of the fair Menia. for the loss of her lover.
affected her father TO such degree .hs, he
adopted sudden resolution. and set out
for Corpus Christi. There he found AL
bert Hilton in the streets. and without ut.
,sring a word. began to chastise HIM with
the shameful punishment Of a horse whip.
The latter resisted with all his might. but
his efforts proved to be idle. for he seemed
helpless as child in the hands of the old
giant.
AS soon as he had laid on the lash suffi
eiently to disgrace his victim forever, the
duelist exclaimed.
Young man. you will fight me now. 1
suppose p
Yea. yes--let us arrange the affair at
once cried the other eagerly. trembling
With rage
The parties Immediately selected their
seconds, settled the terms Of the hostile
meeting. and proceeded to the field of
honor. accompanied 5y throng Of spec
tators anxious 10 witness tho terrible sport
The ground being measured off tho princi
pals took their positions at the usual dis
tance OF fifteen PAGES.
AT the word both advsrsaries fred. but
without effect. aud old Nose called out In
courteous tones:
Is the gentleman satisfied. or does he
wish another round?'
Nothing can wash away my shame but
your blood or my own!' replied Hilton. in
accents Of inconceivable sadness.
The friends then reloaded the pistols.
and the foes discharged them with sim
liar result, when Miller said:
Il am willing to apologize.
1T is too latel' answered the youth. in