Keowee courier. [volume] (Pickens Court House, S.C.) 1849-current, 1866-07-28

ALL READY FOR A DUEL.


Major whose name was Farwcl. He was q
midllc.aged, dashing fellow, given to social
enjoyment. and, as general thing, keeping
on pretty friendly terms with those about him
lie was naturally free and easy, fine soldier
and strict disciplinarian. lie was akind-
hearted, generous man, though troubled with
temper that led him into error at times
Major Farwcll had been in command but
few weeks when hc concluded to send for his
wife to come and stop with him through the
summer. lie had comfortable and commodi-
Gus quarters, and there was little danger that
tho Indians would make another attack
| was on foraging expedition when Mrs.
Farwcll arrived; but [ returned on the fol-
lowing day, and was in season to attend the
party which the Major gave on the OCCASION.
Tie staff, and linc officers, not kept away on
duty, were all present, and JOY and mcrrimcnt
ruled the hour.
Mrs. Farwcll was younger than her hus.
band, portly woman, bearing herself with
peculiar grace and dignity, without any effort
at show or ailcctation. She assumed no need
less reserve, but treated her guests with kind
ness and consideration, seemingly only anx-
ious that all should feel at home and enjoy
themselves.
In that far off region tho laws of total alb.
stlncncc were not strictly adhered to !; and, on
the present occasion, we not only cn,pticd
many bottles of wine, but suudry bottles of
old bourbon were included in the bill of fare
Toward midnight the ladies withdrew; but
The officers were not quite ready to retire.
The Major was i'll the highest spirits; song
and story, with flowing goblcts, gave us occu-
patton by and by proposed II toast, g Mrs.
Major Farwcll," and it was drank with three
l,us st,f :, al al I
have taken offence, [ could not comprehend :;
but he did so, and intimatcd that l had not
better make too free with his wifc's name.
Egad," [ replied, without stopping to
weigh my words, off you must have your
handsome lady as sacred as that, you ought
not to havo brought her out here"
Capt Willett," he cried, rising to his feet
"it you breathe the adys name again, III
kick you from my quarters"
had started up from my seat when Lieut.
Walker, SITTING by my side, pulled nc back.
Iounds," he uttered in a hurried whis-
per, don't say another word. The old Ma.
Jor's mad, aud he's bit jealous, too Can't
you see ?'
AS Walker spoke, it flashed upon nc that
Mrs. Farwcll had been very attentive to nc.
she had danced with nc four or five times,
and had promcnadcd with me on the piazza.
But could not bear such language as Mai.
farwcll had addressed to me, and in spite of
my friends rcmonstrancc rctortcd upon Lim
nly blood was heated with whisky, and cared
: no more for the commanding officer at that
time than would have cared for drummer
boy.
"Sir," replied with an oath, "you would
have had a fine time kicking me out! Per-
haps you better try it now"
The Major sprang toward me and caught
nc by the collar. thought at the time that
he meant to strike; but | was subsequently
convinced that he did not. Bat struck him
upon the check with the fiat of my hand
With Kissing oath he drew pistol from
his pocket, but before he could use it., the
AdJutant caught his arm, and three or four of
my friends hurried nc from the room, and
led me to my own quarters.
On the following morning [ awokc with
anything but a pleasant feeling, and when
remembered what had transpircd during the
previous night, [ felt wrctched enough.
cursed the wine cup aud the whisky bottle
from the bottom of my heart and nwardly re-
solved would touch the stuff no more Still
was forced to takc.a stiff hot toddy to steady
my nerves; and after had dressed myself
sat down to cup of coffee. I was thus en-
gagged when our Adiutant, Mr.. Bower, en-
tered my quarters. bade him good morning,
and asked him if he would not take some
breakfast with me.
:" Not now" he said, shaking his head, "I
nave called upon business. All, Captain, this
is bad affair. Do you remember that You
struck the Major last night?"
Yes, | remembered it very wcll--rcmcm.
bcrcd it too we'll
lie expects you to make an apology" pur-
sued uhe,Adjutant.
'"A And if do not p
Then you must fight him."
You were @ present. Bower, during the en-
tire scencY'
dyes"
"T'hcn wish you to tell mo the truth, for
[ am free to confess that my brain was On