Oxford Democrat. [volume] (Paris, Me.) 1833-1933, 1871-03-17

with their only child.
Mr.. Norman Fraser was q man about
thirty five years of sge, tall, muscular
and PIE eninently handsome; moreover,
ho was highly educated, and possessed
such powers of pleasing that he won his
way to all our hearts and soon became a
universal flvori;c.
lie infused new life into our little CO
terie, and many were the lamentations
whenever his genial countenanco did not
beam across our mess.tab!c. Our col
oneI's two hard Ieatured-rcgular "garri.
son girls" who had flirted with every sub
whom they had met during the last ten
years-wcro enchanted by him, and open.
ly lamented that he was already Benc.
diet; for, though he was "ouly Il civilian
they would have been glad enough TO
have had The ghost of u chance to en-.
snare him in the .ilken mcshcs of matr-
mony.
1t was custom in those days for ohic-
ers TO remain over the mess table long
alter the cloth hld been removed, and,
unless nan possessed very strong
head, he was pretty certain 10 retire to
rest in Il lamentable beloggcd condition.
One night, when wc had been mdulging
pretty freely, the conversation turned to
billiards- m interesting topic, for most
of us were good play ers.
Have You seen Fraser play? lie
Leat Webb easily to day, and I'll back
him against any man in the regiment" ,"
said Captain Rapcr, who considered him
self an authority on matters connected
with games OF skill
Il always give Webb points, and l
won't shrink measuring cues with the
collector, though he certainly plays Il
very good game" | replied.
ERASER. old fellow, Lieutenant Hol.
royd thinks that he is your equal at bill
lizards. viii you let ne back you for u
game ?" Roper cried across the lablo.
The collector, who was "half.scas
over" promptly expressed his willing
ness to engage with me, so registered Il
bet Of hundred rupees with Captain
Roper, aud we adjourned to the billiard
room. | hail practiccd 4 great deal in
my leisure hours. and knew myself to be
steady player, while, from what | had
seen oi Frtacr's PLAY, Judged that he
became nervous aud irritable, il luck
went against him ever so little; there.
fore. did not hesitate to accept few
other bets offered by admirers of my OPP
ponent's brilliant style.
We had got about halfway through
the game, aud onr scores were near =
equal. when made three most palplblc
hukeS in one break. and this so annoyed
my semi inebliate antagonist that he
played wildly, missing most easy shots,
and all the while deuouncing my style OF
execution in no very measured terms. -
When sober he was the most courteous
and Crbanc of men; but when excited by
wine. he was inclined to br insolcnt and
overbcaring.
was moro than thirty points ahead,
when shot presented itself to me that
wa. very difficult Of accomplishment. 1t
WAS u straight carom, but, il order to
make it, the object ball had to be veIy
finely grazed indeed Ny ball scarcely
moved the object ball though it undoubt
eJly touched it. and went on :ho red,
nAking the carom. \ dispute instantly
arose when claimed The shot.
You never hit the first ball. sir" cried
Fraser. loudly.
II know dill not. but my ball did," |
replied careless y.
"lts false There was no carom."
"Do YOU iasinuatc lie sir?"
Yes, You are both liar and 4 cheat,
Human nature could not stand that
slapped my traduccr's face. Ny broth.
ar officers interlercd, and, when my TEN.
per cooled, found myself walking on
the vcrandah with my intimate friend,
Ned lIowson.
Come, Holroy,l, let's got some soda
water and then turn in. You must get
your hand steady, f)r Fraser is sure to
challenge yoa tomorrow" he said.
Itook his advice and the beverage he
recommended, and was up bright and
early the following morning. About ten
o'clock, Captain Rapcr came to my
quarters. He took a seat and u peg
before he explained his mission. As
had expected, he WAS the bearer of a
cartel from Mr.. Fraser.
This is very unpleasant business
altogether, Holroyd; bat suppose You
perceive there is ~ alternative. VIII
YOU name your friend, for | don't sup
dose you intend to apologize" said the
captain, who bore the reputation of be.
ing Il fire eater.
told him should leave everything in
the hands of Lieutenant lIowson, and he
went TO that gentleman in order to ~
range pIeliminarics.
About mid day my friend CAME TO me,
and told me that he had agreed with ;he
second of Mr. Fraser as to The place,
time OF meeting, and weapons to be used
in the forthcoming duel. He also limited
that if had any letters 10 write, in case
Of accident, it would be as well to dc
them ut once; said he would call 10 ac