The Eaton Democrat. (Eaton, Ohio) 1875-1903, 1876-06-08
BLIND MANS DUEL.

Major Buford, called by way of emil
nence aahe Major" was one of the most
noted duelists of the day. A dead shot,
perfect master of fence, and in his en-
mites 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 discuss
ing his last affair" and complaeently
explaining how it came that he mortally
wounded his adversary, instead of kill
ing him on the spot, when one of two
men 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 fate7 He was an old
man. Already, to appearance, had three
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
audacity of the act struck him with
amazemeDt.
els this provocation sufficient, or must
I repeat it 7p inquired the assailant.
The majors first impulse was to return
blow for blow. But, fierce and violent
as were his passions, he schooled himself
to complete mastery over them, and a
moments reflection told him how boot
less, under the circumstances, would be
public brawl. The indignity he had
received would admit of but one repara-
ton, and that he determined to lose no
time in seeking.
'sThe insult is sufficient" he answered,
with forced calmness. "Oblige me by
naming friend"
And the two strangers took their leave
together.
At sunrise on the following morning
the principals and their seconds made
their appearance on the ground selected.
No one else was present-not surgeon.
The major, in his own past experience,
never had needed one; and his opponent,
it was plain, was careless of the conse-
quences.
There was no necessity of delay. The
| preliminaries 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 submitted with the best grace
he could. Itwas that, before placing the
combatants, the bodies of both should
be inspected, to see that no secret pro
tective device was employed by either.
The ground was measured, and the
men placed. There was marked con
trast between the two in more respects
than that of years. The old man, erect
and motionless as a statute, his whitened
/ locks floating in the breeze, never once
looked at his antagonist, though his side
was turned. His face was stern and de
termined, but nothing malignant in it
The major, on the other hand, glareG
iercly at his foe-seemed even to grudgt
him the few moments of life yet exec
out to him.
4 "Werehe my own father, I would xii
himp' he answered, audibly, to SOM
whispered expostulation of his second
! who was evidently touched by the oil
mans venerable appearance.
The pistols were put into the hands
the principals, and the giving of tn
, word explained.
"Gentlemen, are you ready?'
: "Ready," both answered.
} Still the old man moved not, nor di
he direct asingle glance at his adversary
His eyes were fixed in front. His att
3 tude was one of rapt attention. 81
seemed like one listening intently.
+ -"FIREp
Without charging the direction of hi
!, gaze or other mt tyement than that of hi
Q arm, which arosa with the precision {
a a nicely-adjusted machine, the old ma
], brought his pistol to the level of HI
4 enemy's breast. For an instant he hel
' it there. Still the same appearance {
It eager listening.
g The major was in no hurry. He coul
, afford to take his time with man VII
!: held his pistol at random, without loo
), ing witherward. He was determined
t, make sure work. If his ball missed b
,, adversary's heart, even fraction of 6
!, inch, he would never make any prete
e sion to skill again.
is The sharp report of the stranger
v pistol was followed by conyulsiye jel
II of the majors arm, causing the dischari
l. of his weapon far wide of its mar
d while he, staggering few PAGES bac
Ie ward, fell heavily to the ground.
Is "Conduct me to him." said the m,
d to his friend.
d The latter took his principals arm, al
led him tn the nrostrate form of 81