The Stark County Democrat. [volume] (Canton, Ohio) 1833-1912, 1876-07-13
Selert Shgg.
A SLGHTLESS SHOT.
The Majors Duel JITM a Blind 0ppO"C


noted duelists of the day. A dead shot,
a perfect master of fence, and in his en-
mites utterly relentless, his name had
become a terror to all who knew him.
In the midst of knot Of admiring
friends, one day, the Major was discuss
ing his last affair and Complacently
explaining how it came that he mortally
wounded his adversary, instead of kill
ing him ON the spot, when one oftwo men
standing within hearing suddenly ad-
VanCed and struck him in the face. The
spectators stood aghast, What could
have tempted the stranger to rush thus
madly on his fate? He was an old man.
Already, to appearance, had threescore
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. a.
The major was astonished. The very
audacity of the act struck him with
amazement.
is this provocation sufficient, or must
repeat it% 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 brawI. The indignity he had
received would admit Of but one repara-
ton, and that he determined to lose no
time in seeking
The insult is sufficient, he answered,
with forced calmness, 'Oblige me by
naming friend ...
And the two strangers took their
leave together. .....l. ..
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 for delay The
preliminaries had been settled The par
ties were to fight with pistols, at ten pa
ces, the combat to continue until one or
both had fallen.
One condition had been insisted on by
the stranger, which called an indignant
blush tc the majors cheek as it seemed
to imply an imputation upon his honor,
though he submitted with the best grace
he could. 1t was that, before placing the
combatants, the bodies of both should be
inspected to see that no secret protective
device was employed by either,
The ground was measured, and the
men placed. There was a marked con-
trast between the two in more respects
than that of years. The old man, erect
and motlonless as a statue, 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, glared
fercely at his foe-seemed even to
grudge him the few moments of life yet
eked out to him.
Were he my own father would kill
him. he answered audibly, to some |
whispered expostulation of his second,
who was evidently touched by the old
mans venerable appearance.
The pistols were put into the hands of
the principals, and the giving of the
word explained, .....
Gentlemen, are you ready"
Ready both answered. |
Still the old man moved not, nor did
he direct a single glance at his adverse
ry. His eyes were fixed in front. His
attitude was one of rapt attention. He
seemed like one listening intently
'Firep
Without changing the direction of his
gaze or other movement than that of his |
arm, which arose with the precision of
nicely adjusted machine, the old man
brought his pistol to the level of his en-
emy's breast. For an instant he held it |
there, Still the appearance of eager lis
tening
The major was ia nohurry. He could
afford to take his time with man who
held his pistol at random, without look
ing whitherward. He was determined
to make sure work, If his ball missed
his adversary's heart, even fraction of
an inch, he would never make any pre-
tension to skill again.
The sharp report of the strangers pis-
tol was followed by convulsive jerk Of
the majors arm, causing the discharge of
his weapon far wide of its mark, while
he staggering few PAGES backward, fell
heavily to the ground,
Conduct me to him, said the man to
his friend
The latter took his principals arm,
led him to the PROSTATE form of the ma
jor, whose second, kneeliug by his side,
had torn open his garments, exposing to
view the fatal wound in his breast, made
by the strangers bullet.
is your friend seriously hurt?' inquir-
ed the latter, cody. ..,.
You can see for yourself sir the Sec
ond answered.
There you're in error replied the
other; I am totally blind ?
The wounded man, who by this time
revived little, and his second, looked
upon the man in astonishment. There
was no visible defect in his organs Of Wis
ion; but there was fxity Of look-that
bending of eyes on vacancy'-whiCh so
Enthusiastically evinCes the absence of
sight.
who are you, and what is your motive
in seeking this encounter" the major
family murmured,
First, are you in condition to renew
it,? inquired the stranger.
There is no need-I am dying
When have told you who l am the
stranger resumed, you will scarce require
my motive for what I have done. No
wonder you have forgotten James Mer-
ton, he continued, for he is greatly
changed, no doubt
The dying man started and groaned
bitterly,
But have not forgotten you, Richard
Buford, nor the injuries you have done
me. A cherished daughter, the pride of
my eyes, and the joy Of mothers heart
you enticed from her home. deceived by
a sham marriage, and then left her to die
of broken heart My son and only re-
naming child, in rash attempt to
avenge his sisters wrongs, fell a victim
to youl accursed skill. You even robbed
MIN of the ordinary chance of combat.