Alpena weekly argus. [volume] (Alpena, Mich.) 1871-1893, 1882-07-19
More Than Satisfied.

Several weeks ago Mr.. Jos. Buckle
and Mr.. Thomas Latch came to Little
Rock, Ark, from a northern city for
the purpose of engaging together in
business. Shortly after their arrival
and looking around, Buckle remark
ed:
Latch, have hit upon a happy
idea. You see, these people are great
on the chivalry business. No man
stands ohigh here as a fighter. When
the people find that man will fight,
they entertain high regard for him.
Suppose, now, that we become involv-
ed in newspaper controversy, and
finally fight duel. Say that you
challenge me. We will have a couple
of seconds, of course having it under
stood that there are to be no bullets
in the pistols. We will 60 out. ex-
change few shots, make friends, and
then 60 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,"
rejoined Buckle. eyes, sir, people
will point at us and say, "they are
two of the bravest and best men in
town."
They Immediately began a contro-
versy through the newspapers. Latch
called Buckle squint-eyed liar
Then Buckle called Latch google
eyed liar. Latch called Buckle
spotted liar with Goldfish eye, and
Buckle challenged him.
Arrangements were made with
couple of seconds to whom the whole
thing was explained, and who consid:
cred the plan fine piece of inven-
ton. The men were to fight with Der
ringers, distance 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 beer 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 CIV
ing a reputation of bravery to a
couple of towards. Suppose, in or
der to remove the counterfeit part of
the affair, and to sustain all 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
assembled on the grounds. The COM
batants, seconds and surgeons had ar
rived.
81 do not like to enter into blood
she'd" said Latch majestically, "but
Mr.. Buckle has insulted me. l have
never in my life borne an insult. l
give Mr.. Buckle another opportunity
to retract.
81 never retract," replied Buckle,
in firm voice. "What l have said
l stand by with my life. l am not
afraid to die, sir. My reputation to
me is worth more to me than my life"
Gas you will have it," said Latch,
slowly, turning to take position. 81
had hoped that l would never again
be forced to shed blood in defense of
my honor, but it is as you will have
it,"
The antagonists were placed in pos
ition. The seconds winked at each
other.
Ready, aim, fire!" 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 id foolp yelled Buckle,
rushing up to Latch. "What made
you shoot me2 Amt you got no
sense?
The people couldn't understand why
a duel should terminate SO violently.
The seconds looked at each other and
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