Mexico weekly ledger., 1881-01-13

lenge, and how he had returned word
to Sam Walk, stating that he had no
intention of fighting. When Miggie
heard this she was furious, and up
braided him for his cowardice. Tom
felt cheap, and, seeing that his re-
fusal to fight had put M'ggie in bad
humor, concluded that he had better
re'ract his decision. AS soon as he
had told her this her face was illumi-
ned with smiles. and she told him
how she intended hestowing her hand
on the victor.
The next day Tom sent his Sec
ond, in the person OF Joe FARRELL, to
tell Sam Wark that he would fight,
and that the weapons should be pis-
tolls, at twenty PAGES. The following
morning, at daybreak, was chosen as
the time for the meeting, and at the
hour designated the parties met.
Sam Wark was attired in his work
ing clothes, but Tom Brady was
dressed in the height of fashion.
Both were pele, and seemed 10th to
engage in the combat.
The seconds, thinking that no
harm would result from the duel,
measured off the distance in bust,
ness like manner. while the surgeon
handled his Instruments as if he were
anxious fer an opportunity to use
them.
The signal was given, and both
shCts rang out on the morning air
simultaneously. When the smoke
cleared away Sam Wark was seen
slanlipg erect. while Tom Brady lay
PROSTATE on the ground.
"I've killed my friend?" ejsculated
Sam, as he threw his pistol away,
and knelt beside the PROSTATE figure
of Tom. Courses he on the woman
that tempted me to such a deed.
am a murderer for the sake of MIggie
Barr. Tom, dear Tom, I've killet
you'll"
1t was an affecting sight, but the
seconds had their duty to perform
so they dragged Sam away while tn,
surgeon made an examination of the
wound. The latter party said not :
word for few moments, but felt tn,
pulse of Tom, and then ordered on,
of the secon Is TO run for water. Ton
lay as one dead, but as soon a
the water touched his face he opened
, his eyes and looked around.
Sam, poor fellow, buoyed up b,
new hope, looked as if he would b'
too glad to be the sufferer if he onl,
could. At last the doctor said:
"Gentlemen, Mr. Brady's life ha
been spared by a singular circum
stance. The bullet, which was aimee
directly at his heart, struck one of tn
steel stays in ii pair of corsets who
; he wears, and, instead Of penetrating
1 the skin it merely stunned him. !
is narrow escape from death"
"Thank God for that!" said Sam
"Tom, l am extremely sorry that
n was ever fool enough TO enter 0
such a project. l am disgustei wit
Miggie Barr for suggesting such a
~tfar as this. and hereby resign a
Y claim to her hand"
e so do L. said Tom: "'she hs
/ too many romantic notions for me. -
Then the contestants shook hand
II and the patty started for home.
Il OF course the newspapers got hoI
d of the story, and made good bit
u fun about Tom wearing corsets, bl
II he did nos care, as he knew the
l. saved his life.
$ Miggie heard the particulars of th
y story from a friend. and she shu,
q dered to think of the tragedy th;
1t her romantic notions might ha,
s. brought about.
;. Both of the young men stoppe
D. paying attention to Miggie, and in
Is few Years both of them married Oil
N who had never been outside OF Ne
ne castle to imblhe romantic notion
III hey are now the warnest friend
III AMI upon their visits to each 9th
+ speak of ''that duel
IN Miggie is married, too. but not
ie a man of a romantic turn of min
Sc 1t is to none other Jabez jenkins,
re farmer, who has amassed his millio
1d hv the sweat Of his brow, and W
ID knows about as much about roman
n as he does about running a steam c
ng g'ne; and yet Miggie, with the
ot schoolgirl ideas eliminated from |
TO brain, Is as happy as the day Is lor