The Princeton union. [volume] (Princeton, Minn.) 1876-1976, 1879-03-12

Now, am sure you will not compromise 4
the honor of either Of us; 81 act for us
both"
II will" said Lieutenant r., after hay
ing reflected for moment, ION one con-
dition-that you will obey me- in every
particulr. l pledge you my honor, as
soldier, not to compromise you in the
least particular, and all ask of you is to
pledge me your word that you obey me to
the letter.
agreed" said Rogers; "you are the
friend of US both, and there can be no
dishonor in any course you may take"
swell, said Lieutenant r., "meet us
on the bank of the river (the Rio Alam),
a quarter of mile above the camp, to-
! night, at nine o'clock, for the moon will
be some hours high, and we will there
settle the affair."" .-.'-~ .
Thus they parted. Twilight soon
spread her gray mantle over the earth;
the sky was bespangled by few bright
stars, while the watch. fires for miles ap-
peared through the gloom, and shed a
lurid light around thousands of tents,
which were stretched for some three
miles from Marin to the banks of the
river.
The hum of thousands of voices, and
the stir of busy preparations for the COM
ing morrow, had gradually grown fainter
and fainter, while the moon poured down
flood of silver light upon the scene, as
the appointed hour drew near.
Rogers mounted his horse, passing out
side the lines, and rode to the appointed
spot. His adversary, Barclay, and Lieu
tenant R. were already on the ground.
Dismounting, Rogers, with his gun on
his shoulder, approached the latter, who
whispered in his ear:
"Mind what say, and obey me i'm
right"
The distance was stepped off, and the
parties were stationed at their places. It
was lovely night; the moonbeams dane
ed on the ripping waters, and as they
trickled on their way, their sweet MUIR
muir was heard, deeply impressive with
the stiffness of the hour. There was
solemn beauty about the surrounding
scenes, which served to call forth the no.
blest, the most philanthropic feelings of
a man. A sentiment of sorrow and regret
seemed to prevail that the meeting had
taken place--but it was then too late. The
barrels of their weapons glistened in the
silver light, and in few moments they
were to risk their chance of being hurried
into eternity, while one gave the other,
or received from him, satisfaction for his
wounded honor.
They had been placed at the distance,
when Lieutenant R. walked off at dis
lance midway between them, and said:
"Genrlemen, are you ready7"
YES" was the response of both.
At the next word, which each thought
was big with the fate of one or both of
them, to their surprise, the voice of
Lieutenant R. was heard ringing on the
air:
advance fifteen paces."
They accordingly advanced until they
met.
''Shake hands!" said Lieutenant R., in
most imperative tone.
The combatants stood bew;lde1ed, half
doubling, but mechanically extended
| their hands one to the other.
''Now," said Lieutenant r., 81 declare
this difficulty honorably settled, and
whoever dares to question it must be
responsible to me. Gentlemen, you are
friends, mount your horses"
The two parties again grasped each
others band, and, with look of gratitude
to their mutual friend, mounted, and
rode with him to his tent. The night
ended in a scene of joy and revelry, which
, twiped their hearts together forever.
The memory of Lieutenant R., who
shortly afterward fell at Monterey, and
) his noble character, are cherished in q
thousand hearts. OF this gallant Ameri.
can officer it was said that no man was
his superior; his word was law among
his friends. and no man dared to ques.
ton.