The Columbian. [volume] (Bloomsburg, Pa.) 1866-1910, 1866-06-16

spirited and rather irascible, but gem
erous, noble-hearted fellow. Our uifcc-
ton was ardent, and ] believe natural"
NJ paused, and then went on. He
called on me one morning, and told me
that he had an excellent offer TO go to
America as an agent for very respect
able house, and if would accompany
him. he would accept of it. L had fire.
quently expressed desire of visiting
America, and we both thought the OPP
portunity good one. We babe adieu
to our relatives and friends, and set sail I;
we shared the same bed; we nursed
each other; poor Ned was uncommonly
sea-sick; we were as brothers" His
voice trembled, and there was convul-
sive motion of the lip. "But l must
get over this" He drew his chair closer
toward the fire. 81 will get on with
my story with more firmness-I am al
most ashamed of myself, S.. We ar
rived safely in Baltimore, the place of
our destination, and like most other
young men in the heyday of life, min
gled occasionally in scenes of dissipation
Edward had often spoken of his skill in
a difficult and somewhat antiouated
game of cards, and l thought with some
thing of boasting and elation. I knew
nothing of the game; but for the pur-
pose of tormenting him a little for his
vanity, and from love of mischief,
resolved to apply myself secretly to it.,
and obtained pretty good insight into
the game without his knowing any
thing of the matter. One evening we
were sitting together with some acquain-
tances we had picked up, and to Ed
wards surprise, detied him to his fa-
vorite game at cards.
"' Edward,' said I, you arc always
bOasting of your skill. l know but lit
tie about the game, yet lay you wager
I'll beat you.'
Edward smiled with conscious supe-
riority at my badinage, and produced
the cards. We played-Edward was
skilful. exerted myself to the utmost,
and succeeded. Edward was surprised
and chagrined. did not bear my vic
tory meekly; on the contrary, I openly
eXultcd, and gave free scope to my BAN
tering humor. Edward demanded an
other gamc-he again lost. He became
flushed, and drank several glasses of
wine. He still persisted i'm the contest {;
cursed his cards; and was still unsuc-
cessful. L was too deeply occupied in
the game to observe his cOuntenance !;
and in my mcrriment at an uncommon
turn of good luck, | let out an unfortu-
nate witticism-it was the drop in the
full cup. Edward rose in passion,
dashed the cards from him, struck his
clenched hand upon the table, and with
eyes flashing fire, accused me of dealing
unfairly. l was astonished, and replied
in what / thought conciliating tone
But it was only adding fuel to the flame.
He repeated his charges with vehement
rapidity, and my temper began to rise.
told him he behaved like a child; that
he was heated with wine; and that in
the morning, when he had slept off the
effects of it, he would be ashamed of his
present conduct. lie rushed across the
table, almost overturning it, and aimed
Il blow at my face. / received it on my
arm. The gentlemen present rose, and
insisted on his leaving the room. He
did so, breathing threats and vengeance
against me. AS | expected, a challenge
was handed me that night; and / must
confess that, feeling indignant at his be-
havior, l received it without reluctance.
l arranged my papers, disposed of the
little property l had, and wrote letter
to my parents. If the duel took place
| considered that the chances were
against me; and endeavored to prepare
my mind for fatal result. | had no
experience with the pistol, having only
fred few times in my life, at mark,
in sport. | requested a friend to act as
my second, and appeared on the ground
little before the appointed time. Ed
ward was not yet there. lie shortly ar
rived, accompanied by a second. When
| beheld my old choOl-felow-the
friend of my youth-and considered the
purpose of our meeting, felt pang ut
my heart and | believe the tears were
in my eyes when | went up to him.
"' Edward said |, has it come to
this; must we fight, we, who have
known each other so long, loved each
other SO dearly; and for such Il cause :?
Is there no way of settling this unhappy
difference "
Edwards countenace was fixed and
unrelenting.
"' Sir said he, coldly, if you choose
to apologize for your unhandsome con-
duet last evening, ! may receive your
apology, and let the business go no far
ther.'
I" | felt provoked, but kept down the
angry reply that rose to my lips.
"' Edward, said /, you have grossly
insulted me, struck me; if you will ask
pardon for that outrage l will willingly
apologize for any provocation / may
have given YOU
"lle interrupted me
"'Thc blow was deserved, sir, desery-
ed by your insOlent snecring and mean
conduct, will not apologize for that
"' Edward said |, you wrong me.
You cncroach too far--by Heaven! too
far-the crushed worm will turn. And
yet l cannot--I cannot make up my
mind to fire ut my old companion
Damn it, said Edward, with a