Virginia free press. (Charlestown, Va. [W. Va.]) 1832-1916, 1871-09-23
A Blind Mans Duel.


Major Buford, called, by way of eminence,
" the Major" was the most noted duelist of the
day. A dead shot, perfect master of fence,
and in his enmities utterly relentless, his name
had become terror to all who knew him.
In the midst Of a knot of admiring friends,
one day, the Major was discussing his last
" affair" and compacontly explaining how it
came that he mortally wounded his adversary,
instead of killing him on the spot, when one
of two gentlemen standing within hearing,
suddenly advanced and struck him in the face
The spectators stood aghast. What could have
tempted the stranger to rush thus madly on
his fate? lie was an old man. Already, to
appearance, had thrce-score and ten years
passed over his head. He must, indeed, have
been weary Of life, whose brief remnant he was
ready to cast away so recklessly.
The Major was astonished. The very au-
dacity of the act struck him with amazemcnt
Z" Is this provocation sufficient, or must
repeat it 2" inquired his assailant.
The Majors first impulse was to return blow
for blow But fierce and violent as were his
passions, he schooled himself to complete mas
terry over them, and moments reflection told
him how bootless, under the circumstances,
would be public brawl The indgnity he
had received would admit of but one repara-
tion, and that he determined to lose no time in
seeking.
"1he insult is sufficient, he answered, with
forced calmness "0bligc me by naming a
friend"
And the two strangers took their leave to-
gether.
At sunrise, on the following morning the
principals and their seconds made their ap-
pearance on the ground selected No one else
was prescnt-not even surgeon The Major,
in his own past experience, never had needed
one and his opponent, it was plain, was care
less of the consequence.
There was no necessity for delay. The pre-
liminaries had been settled. The parties were
to fight with pistols, at ten PAGES, the combat
to continue until one or both had fallen.
One condition had been insisted on by the
stranger, which called an indignant blush to
the Majors cheek, as it seemed to imply an
imputation upon his honor, though he submit
ted to it with the best grace be could. It was,
that before placing the combatants the bodies
of both should be inspected, to see that no Sc
cret protective device was employed by either.
The ground was measured, and the men
placed There was marked contrast between
the two in more respects than that of years.
The old man, erect and motionleSs as statue.
his whitened locks floating in the breeze, new
er once locked at his antagonist though his
side was turned. His face was stern aud de-
termined, but nothing malignantin it. The
Major, on the other hand, glared fercely at his
foe, seemed even to grudge him the few mo-
ments of life yet eked out to him.
"Were he my father, would kill him !" be
answered, audbly, to some whispered expostu-
lations of his second, who was evidently touch
ed by the old mans venerable appearance.
The pistols were put in the hands of the
principals, and the giving of the word explain
ed
Gentlemen, arc you ready"
Ready" both answered.
Still the old man moved not, nor did he di-
rect single glance at his adversary. His eyes
were fixed in 'front.' His attitude was one of
rapt attention. He seemed ike one listening
iutently.
Fire :"
Without changing the direction OF his gaze
or other movement than that OF bis arm, which
rose with the precision of q nicely adjusted
machine, the old man brought his pistol to the
level Of his enerny's breast For an instant he
held it there. Still the same appearance of
eager listening.
The Major was in no hurry. lie could
afford to take his time with man who held
his pistol at random, without looking whittier
ward. He was determined to make sure work
If his ball missed his adgersarys heart, even
a fraction of an inch, be would never make
any protention to skill again.
The sharp report Of the strangers pistol was
followed by a convulsive jerk of the Majors
arm, causing the discharge of his weapon far
wide of its mark, while he, staggering few
PAGES backward, fell heavily to the ground.
Conduct me to him." said the old man to
his friend.
The latter took his principals arm, and led