The spirit of democracy. [volume] (Woodsfield, Ohio) 1844-1994, 1876-08-08
Selert Sturp. g.
A SIGHTLESS SHOT.
The Majors Duel With a Blind
Opponent.

Major Buford, called bv way of emf
nence "The Major" was one of the most
noted duelists of the day A dead shot,
a perfect master of fence, and in,his en-
mites utterly relentless, his name had
become aterror to all who knew him.
In the midst Of knot of admiring1
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 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 fate? He was an old man
Already, to appearance, had three score
years and ten 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
smazement
sis this provocation sufficient,or must
! I repeat it ?" inquired the assailant.
The Majors first impulse was to re-
turn blow for blow, bat, fierce and vio'
llent as were his passions, he schooled
himself to complete mastery over them,
and moments reflection told him how
boot;ess, under the circumstances, would
/ be public brawl. The indignity he had
received would admit of but one repara'
|tion, and that he determined to lose no
time in seeking.
aThe insult is sufficient" he answered
with forced calmness. "Oblige me by
manning friend" ..es
4 And the two strangers took their leav'
together. aas :.
I 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
had never needed one and his opponent
it was plain, was careless OF the conse
quences. ssesea
There was no necessity for delay. To
preliminaries had been settled. The pal
i. ties were to fight with pistols at ten ps
ces, the combat to continue until one Q
, both had fallen.
One condition had been insisted OF
4 by the stranger, which called an indig
tnant blush to the Majors cheek, as
seemed to imply an imputation upon hi
: honor, though he submitted with th
best grace he could. 1t was that, befol
placing the combatants, the bodies
both should be inspected, to see that n
secret protective device was employe
by either. go g s5si |
The ground was measured, and Il
men placed. There was marked co
trast between the two in more respec
than that of years. The o!d man, ere
and motionless as a statue, his whiten'
locks floating in the breeze, never on
looked at his antagonist though his si'
= was turned. His face was stern and d
termined, but nothing malignant in it,
The Major, on the other hand, glar
fiercely at his foe-seemed to grud
a him the few moments of life yet elk
,e- out to him.
"Were he my own father I would k
y, him!' he answered audibly, to sol
"a whispered expostulation of his secon
who was evidently touched by the G
mans venerable appearance.
The pistols were put into the hands
the principals, ,an6 the giving of the wo
explained.
E "Gentlemen, are you ready Z"
"a "Ready," both answered.
'ie Still the old man moved not, nor 9
he direct single glance at his advers
= ry. His eyes were fixed in front. I
attitude was one of rapt attention.
seemed like one listening intently.
ed "Firer'
his Without changing the direction OF
Is gaze or other movement than that OF
a arm, which arose with the precision oi
81 81 nicely adjusted machine, the old m
brought his pistol to the level OF his
J. lemy's breast. For an instant he held