Yorkville enquirer. [volume] (Yorkville, S.C.) 1855-2006, 1876-06-22

every possible means to avoid it, went to
bed and sank into q slumber disturbed by
friehtful dreams, in which I fancied myself
shot through the heart by the terrible Achilles
Brown.
Early next morning, while in the moment
ary expectation of hearing the breakfast bell,
l was startled by knock at the door. I'm
mediately afterward entered 8 tall man,
"bearded like pard." He introduced himself
to me as a cousin of Sophronia, and intima.
ted that, having heard Of my difficulty of the
previous evening, he had come to offer bis
services as my second ..
Thanking him for bis kindness, I said that
had not, as yet, decided to call out the gen.
tlemen in question.
eNot yet decided I" repeated my visitor,
springing to his feet, causing me thereby to
recede two PAGES, in some personal apprehen.
sion. "Not yet decided But, perhaps, I
do not understand you"
intimated, rather uncomfortably, that I
had conscientious scruPles against the prac-
tice of the duello. ,s~ =,
"Conscientious fddlesticks !" interrupted
my visitor. "Sir, you must fight. There is
no alternative. A lady has been insulted
while under your protection. That lady is
my cousin. Unless you take notice Of it,
must"
"But you have no quarrel with Captain
Brown" said.
"You misunderstood me-, said he, gravely.
"Unless you challenge Captain Brown, l
shall understand it as personal disrespect to
my cousin, and shall challenge you. Choose
which of US you will fight"
This was said so resulutely that succumb-
ed at once. reflected that, while there was
equal danger to be incurred in duel with
nv visitor, there would be less credit.
"Shall write the nissive :" inquired my
companion, who called himself Lieutenant
Eustace.
"Yes," said 7, family.
He sat down at my desk, and In few
minutes produced the following:
ssS1R: You grossly insulted young lady,
while under my protection, last evening. AS
man of honor, I call upon you for ample apollo
gy or for the usual satisfaction accorded in such
cases. I send this by Lieutenant Eustace, who
is authorized to act as my friend.
"Yours, &C., PETER SMITH.
"Captan Achilles Brown"
Having signed this with some misgivings,
I inquired as to the character of Capt Brown.
81 don't know much about him." said my
friend, "but I suppose be is regular fire
eater"
This was satisfactory-very.
"Suppose," said I, in q tremulous voice,
"you erase the word ample before apology
I consider apology sufficient" ....
"But shall not" was the lieutenant's en-
phatic reply. ........
There was no more to be said. He depart
ed with his missive and I was left in no very
enviable frame of mind. On his return, "Has
he apologized ?" inquired, eagerly. 90. ;-..
"Not bit of it," was the reply; "he vows
that he will shed the last drop of bis blood
first"
"What sanguinary monster he must be,
was my internal reflection.
"The meeting is appointed for tomorrow
morning, an hour before sunrise" resumed the
lieutenant. 1T is to take place at Hoboken {;
weapons, pistols; distance; fifteen PAGES. -
"Isn't that rather near2" ventured to re-
mark.
"Nearl Of course you want it near. You
will be more likely to hit your man."
"And he will be more likely to hit me, l
replied.
:.'Of course" was the reply. "You must
take your chances of that"
1 could not help wondering whether he
would be so cool about it if he we're the prin.
cipal, and l the second. In fact, have al
ways observed that seconds are much more
scrupulous about the honor of their principals
than they are disposed to be about their own.
suppose it is human nature l think 1t al
together likely that should make very
fierce second. .. e. y . -,
II suppose you are used to pistols p re-
marked my friend. .... .-..... -.
"Used to pistols I remember once having
fred one as boy, to the imminent danger OF
nv little sisters life. Since then 1 have not
had one in my hands"
As strolled out into the streets in an un-
happy frame of mind, a newsboy thrust into
my hand daily paper, which I mechanically
bought Glancing over the columns, OBJ
served that boat was advertised as about to
start that day for Havana. The hour of de-
parture was four in the afternoon. A sudden
thought struck me. Would it not be much
better to embark for Cuba than to remain be.
hind to be shot "a result which the state Of
my nerves and my want of practice with the
pistol rendered altogether probable.
With newborn alacrity, I Immediately re-
paired to the boat, and demanded to see the
agent. He informed me that the boat would
positively start at the hour indicated.
I asked to see the list of passengers.
Running my eyes casually down the list, my
heart beat quickly as they fell upon the last
name. Could it be possible that my opponent,
Captain Achilles Brown, had secured passagef
What could be his motive?
"When did this gentleman book his name
as passenger? p inquired.
mot half an hour since"
did he understand that the boat started
to-day?"
eyes; he made particular inquiries on that
point"
"Will you describe him to mef Is he
tall 2"
Eyes, quite 80"
"And has black moustache2"
"Yes."
"A dark complexion and wears large
cloak ?"''
"Precisely. You know him, then ?"
"Very slightly" said /, carelessly. "By
the way, don't think I shall be able to get
away for week. I won't engage to-day"
eve would give you good accommoda-
tions." ..... ..... ..
mo doubt of that. On the whole, you
need not mention to Captain Brown that any
one inquired for him" ......
My heart bounded with exultation, as with
some difficulty realized that my opponent
whom had dreaded 80 much, was about to
leave the country, from fear Of encountering
me. . ...
What joke it was laughed ali the
way home, though I endeavored to preserve
nv gravity. On the way home I purchased