Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1871-09-09
, the record Of Madrona Hollow

70 the record of Madrona Hollow. Th'
morning was bright and clear; the ali
was slightly chill, but that was from thu
mist which arose along the banks OF th'
river. As early as six O'Clock the desig
mated grounds little opening in the
Madrona grove-was occupied by Culpep
per Starbottle, his second, and the sur
geon, The Colonel was exalted and eA,
cited, albeit in rather imposing, dignllled
way. and pointed out to the surgeon .ne
excellence of the ground, which AZ tiia Sl
hour was whollyshadedf from the sun whose
steady stare Is more or less discomposins
to your duelist. The surgeon threw MN
self on the grass and smoked MS cigar;
Culpepper, quiet and thoughtini, leaned
against tree and gaZed at the river.
There was q strange suggestion OF a pic
mic about the group, which was height
ened when the Colonel drew bottle from
his coat-tails, and, taking preliminary
draught, offered it to the others. Cock
tails, sir, - he exclaimed with dignified
precision. "a gentleman. sir, should
never go without 'em. Keeps off the
morning chill l remember going out in
'53 with Hank Boompirateer. Good ged,
sir, the man had to put on his overcoat,
and was shot in it. Fact.
But the noise of the wheels drowned the
Coloners "reminiscences, and rapidly
driven buggy, containing Jack Folinsbee,
Calhoun Bungstarter. his second, and Bill
Masters, drew rein on the ground. Jack
Folinsbee leaped out gayly. II had the
jolliest work to get away without the gov
ernor's hearing, he began, addressing the
group before him with the greatest volubili-
ty. Calhoun Bungstarter touched his arm
and the young man blushed. 1t was his
first duel.
IF you are ready, gentlemen" said
Mr.. Bnngster, 1--WE had better proceed to
business. / believe it is understood that
no apology win be offered or accepted
We may as well settle preliminaries a
once, or / fear we shall be interrupted
There is q rumor in town that the Nigi
lance Committee are seeking our friends
the Starbottles, and | believe, as their fel
low countryman, have the honor to bt
included in their warrant.
At this probability of interruption tina
gravity which had hitherto been wanting
fell upon the group. The preliminaries
were soon arranged and the principals
placed in position. Then there was a
silence.
To a spectator from the hill, impressed
with the picnic suggestion, what might
have been the popping of two champagne
corks broke the stiffness.
Culpepper had fired into the air Colonel
Starbottle uttered a low curse. Folnsbee
sulkily demanded another shot
Again the parties stood opposite to each
other. Again the words were given, and
what seemed to be the simultaneous re-
port of both pistols rose upon the air. But
after an interval ola few seconds all were
surprised to see Culpepper slowly raise
his unexploded weapon and fire it harm
lessly above his head. Then throwing the
pistol upon the ground, he walked to a
tree and leaned silently against it,
Jack Folinsbee flew into paroxysm of
fury. Colonel Starbottle raved and swore.
Mr.. Bungstarter was properly shocked at
their conduct. Greatly, gentlemen, If
Mr.. Culpepper Starbottle declines another
shot, / do not see how we can proceed
But the Co]onel's blood was up, and
Jack Folinsbee was equally implacable.
A hurried consultation ensued, which end
ed by Colonel Starbottle taking his neph-
ew's place as principal, Bill Masters acting
as second, vice Mr.. Bungstarter, who de-
clined all further connection with the az
tair. ~,
Two distinct reports rang through the
Hollow. Jack Folinsbee dropped his
smoking pistol, tooka step forward, and
then dropped heavily upon his face.
In moment the surgeon was at his side.
The confusion was heightened by the
tramping of hoofs, and the voices of the
blacksmith bidding them flee for their lives
before the coming storm. A moment
more and the ground was cleared, and the
surgeon, looking up, beheld only the
white face of Culpepper bending over
him. $50
'Can you save him P"
II cannot say. Hold up his head mo-
ment while run to the buggy"
Culpepper passed his arm tenderly
around the neck of the insensible man.
Presently the surgeon returned with the
stimulants.
There, that viii do. Mr.. Starbottle,
thank you. Now my advice is to get away
from here while you can. I'll look after
Folinsbee. Do you hearpn
Culpepper's arm was still around the
neck OF his late foe, but his head had
dropped and fallen on the wounded man S
shoulder. The surgeon looked down, and
catching sight Of his face opened his coat
and waistcoat. There was blood upon his
shirt, and bullet hole in his breast. He
had been shot unto death at the first fire.