The Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1877-1885, 1882-09-08

Surprised Duelists.
A Couple of Men who Wanted TO Make Reputa-
ton with Derringers


ton with Derringers.
Several weeks ago, says the Arkansas
IrGreler, Mr.. Joseph Buckle and Mr..
Thomas Latch came to Little Rock
from a Northern city for the purpose of
engaging together in business. Shortly
after arriving and looking around,
Buckle said:
Latch, l have hit upon happy idea.
You see these people are great on the
chivalry business. No man stands so
high here as fighter. When the peo-
pie find that man win fight they en-
terrain a high regard for him. Suppose.
now, we become involved in a newspa-
per controversy, and finally fight duel.
Say that you challenge me. We will
have a couple of seconds, of course hav-
ing it understood that there are to be
no bullets iIf the pistols. We win go
out, exchange few shots, make friends,
and then go into business together.
This will be the biggest advertisement
we could have, and the people will flock
to us. Bravery in the first place and
magnanimity in the second, you see."
That is, indeed, capital idea re-
joined Latch. Yes, sir, people will
point at u.s.. and say they are two of the
bravest and best men in town"
They at once began a controversy
through the newspapers. Latch called
Buckle squint-eyed liar. Then Buckle
called Latch a goggle-eyed liar. Latch
called Buckle spotted liar with a cod
fish eye, and Buckle challenged him.
Arrangements were made with couple
of seconds, to whom the whole thing
was explained, and who considered the
plan fine piece of invention. The
men were to fight with Derringers, dis
lance ten PAGES. A grove just outside
the city limits was chosen as the battle
ground. On the night before the duel
was TO take place the seconds met in
saloon, and while sitting at table one
of them remarked:
Say, of course we are paid for this
thing; but, after thinking the matter
over, hanged if like the idea of giving
reputation of bravery to a couple of
towards. Suppose, in order to remove
the counterfeit part of the affair, and to
sustain our own characters, we load the
pistols with small shot. We get our
money, you see, in advance"
The other second agreed.
The morning came, bright and beau
tiful. The officers of the law knew
nothing of the approaching duel, yet
there was considerable excitement
among the people. A large crowd as
sembled on the grounds. The combat
ants, seconds and surgeons arrived.
Il do not like to enter into blood
she'd" said Latch, majestically, ''but
Mr.. Buckle has insulted me. | have
never in my life borne an insult; give
Mr.. Buckle another opportunity to re-
tract"
Il never retract,'' replied Buckle, in
a firm voice. s.What | have said |
stand by with my life. l am not afraid
to die, sir. Ny reputation to me is
worth more than my life"
s.As you win have it," said Latch,
slowly, turning to take position. Il
had hoped that would never again be
forced to shed blood inadefense of my
honor, but it is as youswiH have it,
The antagonists were placed in posi-
ton. The seconds winked at each other.
Ready, aim, firep' Bang! Bang!
A couple of loud yells arose. Buckle
ran around with one ear almost gone,
and one eye almost Knocked out. Latch
writhed in agony and blood.
''You fool!' yelled Buckle, rushing
up to Latch; what made you shoot me?
Amt you got no sense?'
$50 away" howled Latch. cor I'll
kick the life out of you"
The people couldn't understand why
duel should terminate so violently.
The two seconds looked at each other
and winked. Buckle and Latch are
now in a Northern hospital.