The Bloomfield times. [volume] (New Bloomfield, Pa.) 1867-187?, 1872-01-30
A Singular Duel.

lar character named Fooks. With the
young people he was an especial favorite.
No better partner in "Sir Roger de Cover
w." or merrier opponent in the game of
HMatrimony," could be found in the en-
tire country; while his skill in making
"hurleys' for the boys, and carving wood
ON babies for the girls, secured for him
widespread popularity among the rising
generation. By common consent he was
known in this neighborhood as Holy
Fooks," and this epithet was bestowed not
in ridicule, but as sincere acknowledge
ment of his singular blameless and useful
life. Perhaps it was also meant to COM
memorate popularity in his character
he was never known to fight. From the
tithe-proctor whom he Hospitality enter
tanned and regularly paid-an unprecedent-
ed line of conduct, which caused that much
enduring man to exclaim, "Sure Barnagore
would be heaven upon earth If every man
in it was like Holy Fooks"-frOm the
tithe-proctor down to the urchiDs, whom he
often caught snaring hares or cutting sticks
in his wood, he never abused or quarreled
with any one. Yet Holy Fooks was no
coward-that the poor widow at the mill
could testify, whose fair-haired boy he had
saved from drowning by jumping into the
mill-pond at the imminent risk of his life.
And when Tom Maloney's house was
burned, who but Holy Fooks could be
ro,,nJ 60 +rooJ 4bo ,11;por Hhor. ond Nyhi1n
with one hand clinging to the blackened
rafters, with the other to seize in succession
three children, and hand them safely to
those outside Mr.. Fooks, in short, was
that, | grieve to say, anomalous character
in Ireland-a brave, good man, who would
not fight
The estate which bounded his had lain,
have said, for some time unocupied; but
at length tenant for it appeared in the
person of professed duelist from Tiperary,
who having made even that fiery locality
too hot too hold him, and possessing as
much money as impudence, resolved to set
tie at Barnagore, and break fresh ground
among it's quiet inhabitants. Tom Magen-
mis-, for such was his name, had not long
been settled in his new residence ere he
managed to establish several every pretty
quarrels" with his neighbors. He was an
unerring shot, seldom failing to kill his
man at any number Of PAGES, and was as
prone to take offense as the famous Fight
ing Fitzgerald. He challenged one young
gentleman for accidentally touching him
with his whip, as they were leaping togeth-
or across stream, while following the
hounds. All attempts at a reconciliation
were rejected by the scornfull bully. They
met; and an hour afterwards a fine lad,
the hope of his house, was carried home a
lifeless corpse.
The neighboring gentlemen tried to send
Magennis to "Conventry," but it would
not do; he was man of good family, and
tried to maintain his position in society lit
one wished him away, but who was to "bell
the cat?'
1t happened that small field, belonging
to Mr.. Fooks, lay near the upper corner of
Mr.. Magennis's lawn, to which the latter
wished to have it annexed. He according
ly wrote letter, couched in q very high
and mighty style, requiring his pacific
neighbor to sell him the piece of
ground in question. A polite reply in the
negative was returned; and Magennis, boil
ing with rage at having his will opposed,
hastened to seek an interview with Mr..
Fooks He found that gentleman seated
in his pleasant parlor, surrounded by his
books; and after the first salutations had
passed, Magennis began abruptly,
"Mr. Fooks, am to understand from
your letter that you refuse to let mo have
the lawn field %
"Certainly, sir; have no intention what
ever of parting with it,"
"But / tell you that l want it, and have
it willp'
81 should be sorry" said Mr. Fooks,
mildly, ito disoblige a neighbor; but ]
am sure Mr.. Magennis you will see the
improperly of pressing the matter further
when repeat that am quite determined
not to sell the field.'
"You won't sell it P'
"No SIR"
"Then," said Mr.. Magennis, with fear
ful impre cation, "if you don't give me the
field you shall give me the satisfaction; and
maybe I'll find your heirs, executors, adj
ministrators and assigns, easier to deal
WITH"
A quiet smile passed over the counte.