The weekly Ottumwa courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1857-1872, 1862-11-15

pleased to call me-. have the honor of be
ing captain in tho navy Of his Britannia
Majesty. You have ,insulted the. demand
Of you full satisfaction. It is due to me
and ! hope you will not refuse it. II you
do, know well the means to obtain il. To.
morrow. at seven, will wait you here; arm
yourself with pistols" e hT9s 2
onr braegart, who, during this discourse,
had risen to his feet, and had alternately be-
como red and pale, gave no response, but ,
bow ofacquiescence, in tho fear, no doubt
that the emotions Of his voice would betray
his complete terror. The captain saluted
the rest of the company, and Immediately
left. "74 = 8'l'@e 3a 2
With him went all the gayety Of the lieu
tenant He became thoughtful and tacit,rn
Ibis spirit was no more with the play-he
lost all he had before won. .y7sfl naf1 :
The thought of to-morrow-that te rribl,
to-morrow-fightened him. How much
his adversary would have the advantag.
over him. 1t.3af}
Suffering, with 50 much calmness, series
Of affionts Proposing a duel with that
6rmness, shat assurance, that imperturbable
Gang troid! Bravery and skin are surely
his. Suoh were the ideas that crowded into
the young lieutensnt's mind. za7rs .
On leaving the hall they separated with
the promise to meet at the hour indicated
At seven they met the Englishman was
already at the rendezvous, clad in the uni.
form ofa superior officer 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 ac-
cepted spoke with courtesy, and proved
themselves to be high-minded, and acquaint.
ed with the world.
At eight o'clock he broke up the sit ting,
and requested tho Prussian officer to be so
kind as to designate the place where the
quarrel could be settled, adding that he was
a stranger in the place, and he would will
lingly give the choice.
They then repaired to vas. pasturage that
lay between Hamburg and Altoona.
Arrived there he asked "What distance
will suit you s'
Twenty-Five paces."
"Thats too much, Monsieur. You could
not hit me at that distance. Let us say ff.
teen."
1t was agreed to. Meanwhile the major
observed to the captain that he had no
second. # $50
"It is unnecessary" replied the captain.
eff l fall my valet knows what to do"
The major insisted showing him that it
was contrary to the usages of the country
according to that formality the duel could
moi. take place, but he offered with polite
ness to allow it to proceed, which offer was
The ground was measured, they took their
places. The captain, addressing his adver-
sary, made this singular question:
"Have you good pistols because have
two pairs that never miss their mark. / will
give you proof" h
Calling to his valet, he opened the box
aud took out one of the pistols which it con-
tanned, and told him to throw up something
in the air. The valet searched his pockets,
but could find nothing save his handker-
chief,
"Thats too large and something else."r
He then took dried prune and showed
It to him.
"That will do. Throw"
The fruit was thrown up, and was instant.
y shattered to atoms.
At this proof of skill, the astonishment
Of the spectators was At its height As to the
he was moro dead than alive.
The captain then took the place assigned
him, inviting the lieutenant to fire at him,
The major then stepped between the CON-
batants and opposed the lieutenant firing
first, saying:
"The usage of the country gives the of.
Tended the irst shot and for the second,
chance viii decide"
"Ah, my dear major" replied the captain,
'if complied with your advice, monsieur
would not have the pleasure Of using his pis-
Eol on man. Therefore, let come what
may, nevertheless. will that these gentle
men who enjoyed themselves at my expense
yesterday, and instead of hindering their
of being guilty Of such folly, only
sughsd at my distress, shall one after anoth-
,r, gaza into the interior Of my pistol"
Monsieur, aim accurate! Woe unto you
Il you miss me! For will not miss you
you will cease to exist"
They insisted no longer. The lieutenant
aimed, and the captain cried;
ut is too highr'
The explosion was hsard-the bullet bad
grazed his head.
'My turn now, young extravagant Yes
terday was, for an hour, the plaything Of
your railleries-your sarcasms. Without
motive you insulted me, Knocked and cursed
me with humiliation. I was . schoolmaster,
. droll fsllow-to-day man! And who are
you A wretch, . miserable poltroon, ,tremblin
with feare Death, which in An instant you
will receive at my hands, encircles you with
her shadows already her icy hand IS stretch
ed over you. Your lips are blanched with
fear, your eyes are troubled, your face as