Ellsworth American. [volume] (Ellsworth, Me.) 1855-current, 1863-03-27
$l,5O A YEAR IN ADVANCE.

"Havc you good pistols ? because
have two pairs that never missed thell
mark. 1 will give you proof"
Calling to his valet, he opened the box
and took out one of the pistols which il
contained, and told him to throw uf
something in tho air. The valet searched
pockets but could find nothing but pock.
! ct handkerchief
That's too large; find me something
else.
He then took dried prune and showed
it to him.
That will do. Throw"
The fruit was thrown up and instantly
shattered to atoms.
At this proof of skill. the astonish.
ment Of the spectators was at its height
IS to the lieutenant he was more dead
than alive.
The captain then took the place as.
signed him, inviting the lieutenant 10 fire
at him. The major then stepped between
the combatants and opposed tho lieuten-
ant firing first, saying:
"Thc usage Of the country gives the
offended the first shot; and for the Sec
ond chance will decide"
All, my dear MAJOR" replied the cap
tain, 4" if l complied with your advice,
monsieur would not have the pleasure of
using his pistol on a man. Therefore, let
come what may, l will that these gentle
men who enjoyed themselves at my ex-
pensc yesterday. and instead of hinder
ing their comradc of being guilty Of such
folly, only laugh at my distress, shall
one after another, gaze into the interior
of my pisol.'
Monsieur, aim accurate Woe un-
to you if you miss me For | will not
miss you you will cease to exist
They insisted no longer. The lieut.
cnant aimed and the captain cried:
1t is too high ~
The explosion was heard the bullet
had grazed his head.
My turn now, young cxt-avagent =
Y esterday was for an hour, the play
thing of your railerics-your sarcasns.
Without m, tive you insulted me, Knocked
and cursed me with humiliation. | was
a schoolmaster, a drol tel.ow-to day a
man,
A wretch, miserable poltroon, trcm-
bling with fear . Death, which in an in
slant you will receive at my hands, en-
circles you with her shadows already
her icy hand is stretched over you. Your
lips are blanched with fear, your eyes
troubled your face is pale as the sheet
which will soon cnshroud you. Your
limbs refuse to support you. Jnsolence
and cowardice always so hand III hand ;
this is all we can expect of one OF your
stamp. But before sending you to the
world, tell me--have you not parting
souvenir to give to father, mother, sister,
brothr or one who is dear to you l
have here a writng-desk, and | will ac-
cord to you the few momnts so necessary
tor that purpose.
A " thank you, sir" very humbly ut
tered and hardly Ineligible, was al
that could be heard.
:. In that case said the captain, " if
all reconciliation between US here below,
is impossible, and that your blood alone
can wash out the affront have received,
implorc at least, by short and fervent
prayer, the clemency Of the Almighty
Then the lieutenant, taking his hat Oft,
cast a look at the mute and terrified wit
nesses Of the imposing scene, who all
with one accord spontaneously uncovered
their heads. During moment in that
group there reigned solemn and rellg-
ious silence, when was not broken save
by the respiration Of those assembled
At length, taking up his pistol, and point
ing with resolution toward his opponent,
he made him suffer the most intense
agony But all at once, as if by the Ell
feet of sudden reflection, he turned to
his servent and gave him the pistol, say
ing, with the gesture, accent, and smile
Of hatred
Here, take this pistol ; that officer
is not worthy of English powder -
The next day the Baron de N-lis-
appeared from the country, and his reg'-
ment never saw him more.