The Lincoln County herald., 1871-08-03
A SINGULAR DUEL.

Major Buford, called by way Of emf
nence, the Major" was the most noted
duelist of the day. A dead shot, a per
feet master Of fence, and in his enmities,
perfectly relentless, his name had become
a terror to all who knew him.
In the midst Of q knot Of admiring
friends, one day, the Major was discuss
ing his last affair."" and complacently
how it came that he mortally
wounded his adversary, instead of killing
him on the spot, when one Of two gen.
tlemen standing within hearing suddenly
advanced aud struck him in the face
The spectators stood aghast. What
could have tempted tho stranger to rush
thus madly on his fate? lie was an old
man. Already, to appearances, had
three score and ten years pa sed over his
head. He must, indeed, have been
weary of life, whose brief remnant he was
ready to cast away 30 recklessly.
The Major was astonishcd. The au.
dacity of the act struck him with amaze.
mcnt.
"Is tho provocation sufficient, or must
I repeat 2" inquired his assailant.
The Majors first impulse was to return
blow for blow. But fierce and violent as
were his passions, he had schooled him.
self to complete mastery over thcm, aud
a moments reflection told him how boot
less, under the circumstances, would be o
public brawl. The indignity be had re-.
ceived would admit Of but one reparation,
and that he determined to losc no time iu
seeking
"The insult is sufficient" he answered
wich forced calmness. "Oblige me by
naming a friend-for your own [ care
motto whom l may refer one of my
own?"
"This gentleman" replied the othor
resuming the arm Of his companion
"will return here in an hour, to confer
with any ono you may designate"
And the two strangers took their leave
together.
At sunrise, on the following morning
tho primer pals and thoir two seconds made
their appearance on the ground selected
No one else was present-not even sur
geon. The Major, in his own past expe
rienco, mover had needed one; and hi
opponent, it was plain, was careless o
the consequence.
There was no necessity for delay. Tit
preliminares has been settled. The par
ties werc to fight with pistols, at tel
PAGES, the combat to continue until on
or both had fallen. One condition ha'
been insisted on by the stranger, whicl
called an indignant blush to the Major
cheek, as it seemed to imply an imputa
ton on his honor, though he submitte
to il with the best grace he could. l
was, that before placing the combatant
the bodies Of both should be inspected
to see that no secret protective devic
was employed by either.
The ground was measured and the tw
men placed. There was a marked COZ
trast between tho two in more respec
than that Of years. Tho old man, ere'
and motionless as statue, his whitene
, locks floating in the breeze, never ono
looked at his antagonist. though his sid
0 was turned. His face was stern and dc
/, termiucd, but had nothing malignant
!, u Tho Majnr ON the other hand. ela,,'
' fercely at his foe, seeming even to grudi
/ him the few minutes Of life yet eked o.
to him.
"Whore he my father, would ki
= him ~ he answered, audibly, to sou
whispered expostulations Of his secou
who was evidently touched by the o
mans venerable appearance.
The pistols wero put in the hands
the principals, and the giving Of t
word explained. =.
"Gentlem en-, are you ready?"
, "Ready," both answered.
Still the old man moved not. nor
he direct single glance at bis sdversal
His eyes we're fixed in front. His at
tude was ono of rapt attention.
seemed like one listening iutently.
"FIel"
Without changing the direction Of
!" gaze, or other movement than that OF
arm, which rose with the precision o1
~ nicely adjusted machine, the old n
., brought his pistol to the level Of
~ euemy's breast. For an instant he b.
it there. Still NO look IN the directl
Y, lit pointed. Still tho same appearance
eager listening.
The Major was in no hurry. Heeo
afford to take his time with man Y
a held Ais pistol At random, Without los
ling thithsvwavd. He tesk delibe'