Essex County herald. [volume] (Guildhall, Vt.) 1873-1964, 1878-07-12


The officers looked ut each other and
then at the colonel, and somewhat en-
barrassing silence ensued; but il was
broken by Colonel A, who said:
"Don't be afraid that l shall refuse
your request; on the contrary, 1 shall
only be too pleased to grant my permis-
sion if, on examining the facts of the
case, find sufficient reason to think
that the applicants amour propre has
been wounded, and that hostile meet
ing is indispensable" ....
At these reassuring words the young
tire-eaters were satisfied, and at once
gave the promise demanded; and Col.
A then retired to his chamber,
where, overcome with the fatigue of a
rouga yuyage, he soon found himself
snugly ensconced in the arms of Nor
pheus
On the following morning he was
rather rudely awakened from O refresh
ing slumber by loud rapping at his
chamber door; and, on challenging his
early visitors, he was informed that it
was Captain Lord Vellum and Ensign
Warb ottle who wished to speak to him
on matter of the gravest Importance.
"Ycu might have chosen more con-
venient hour for your visit, gentlemen" I"
said the colonel, who was naturally loath
to rise from his bed at five clock on the
first morning after his voyage.
"It is an affair of honor, colonel, "
was the significant reply, "and cannot
be delayed. We beg you will admit us
instantly.
The colonel rose and opened the door
to the early comers. They were two
handsome young men, who had on the
previous evening already attracted Col
onel As attention by the extreme
friendliness which they exhibited for
each other. They respectfully saluted
their commanding officer as they entered
the room, and the latter broke an awk-
ward silence by demanding of them the
object of their visit.
Ensign Warbotlle again raised his
hand in salute as he replied:
eve have come to ask your permis-
sion to fight; colonel"
"Indeed /" exclaimed Colonel A,
81 thought you we're great friends"
Yes, colonel, we have been most in
innate friends from our youth upward, -
said Lord Vellum, "and we respect
each other very sincerely; but we have
bad dispute, and our wounded honor
must be satisfied"
"Then I presume that something very
serious must have occurred, gentlemen, /,
to make the only remedy for it "a recourse
to the pistol?"
4" 1t is indeed very serious matter,
colonel" replied Ensign Warbottle;
"and it is this: After you had left the
table last night we chatted over what
you told us about the doings in London
lately; and in the enthusiasm of the mo-
ment, l remarked that 1 should like to
be there, riding at the head of troop of
Life Guards, and escorting the Prince
Regent, with my silver helmet glitterine
in the sun, and my drawn sword in my
hand. Whereupon Lord Vellum said,
with a sneer, that was feather-bed
soldier, and that leathern bonnet
would be quite good enough for such as
/. l took no notice of this remark, but
| was annoyed and excited; and when be
further asserted that the officers Of the
Life Guards wore brass helmets, human
nature could stand it no longer, and !
gave him the lie. He retaliated by
striking me on the face; an insult, Col
onel A, which justifes me, I think
in demanding hostile meeting"
The last words were said in a manner
which admitted of only one meaning
and the two young officers exchanged
glances of mutual hatred and defiance.
1t is indeed grave, gentlemen,
sententiously remarked the colonel; "th'
hemlets worn by officers of His Majesty
Life Guards are neither silver nor brass
but white metal lacquered with silver
gilt; but this information will not,
presume, alter the position of affairs
Do you still wish to fight the question
out2"
"Certainly, sir p exclaimed the TIVE
officers.
Every well," replied the colonel
gravely; far be it form me to interpos
any obstacle to your meeting, gentle
men; but this duel must be a seriou
one, as BELTS so important question a
the Life Guards helmets, and not al
affair resulting in o mere scratch, as
am given to understand is generally tn
case in these mess quarrels. Remembe
that you are British officers and no
Spanish bravoes, and that the honor o
British officer can only be vindicateC
by the death of his opponent. Go
gentlemen, and fight your duel; and
will meet the survivor on his return"
The two young men saluted the colone
and retired. A few seconds afterward
they and their seconds were seen hurry
ing off to the place of meeting-a spo
which is known in the garrison to thi
day as Duel Avenue"
Three hours later, Colonel A wen
down into the parade ground to inspec
the regiment, and he was surprised t
see both Lord Tellum and Ensign War
bottle amongst the officers who ap
preached him to give the morning salute
The latter had his arm in sling; and
: the stern inquiry of Colonel A as t
whether the duel had yet taken place
: he replied, with forced smile lightin
| up his face: "Yes, colonel; his lordshi
has given me nasty scratch in th
arm."
oouoLzL