The spirit of democracy. [volume] (Woodsfield, Ohio) 1844-1994, 1884-01-15
Selert Shry.
Selecting His Own Weapon.

In the summer OF 1881, Capt. Grey, in
command OF merchant ship called the
Princess Of Wales, made voyage to
the Mediterranean and bad occasion to
spend two weeks IN MsrseilIes.
During the second week of his soiouru
in Marseilles our captain had the misfor.
tune to get into trouble with a French
military Officers Colonel Tourzel-
well known IN the city and Toulon as Q
fire-brand of the most inflammable and
pugHacious description. He had Tough,
in many duels, and had killed his man
more than once.
As soon as the story Of the trouble
became known, the friends OF Captain
Gray earnestly besought him to take
himself ont of the way until the affair
had blown over. "For," said they, "the
Colonel will certainly challenge you, and
You cannot show yourself in the city af-
ter you have refused to fight him "
"But," said Grey. 81 haven't refused.
He hasn't asked me-"
aAh! but he will; and of course you
would not think OF offering your life to
u man to whom the sword and pistol
are the everyday plaything of life
time."
But the young skipper only shook his
head and promised that he would take
good care of himself.
Within half an hour after the friend
had left friend of the colonel's came
9th Q challenge, couched in formal
terms, The messenger was captain OF
hussars, as polite as could be.
"You. monsieur, will have the choice
of weapons 1t will make no difference
to the Colonel-swords or pistols-ten
PAGES or twenty"
Captain Gray bowed and informed the
hussar that be would send formal re-
ply by q friend as soon as he had select.
ed one.
The csptain went and found brother
skipper 10 whom be made known his
need.
"But," said Captain BIazo, "you don't t
mean that you are going to fight that
MANI Why, the very thought is suici-
dalw -
"Jus: wait bit. Supposed should
select harpoons as the weapons
"WeIl II you could manage to have
hsrpoons selected you would have him
foulr'
'Ben, want you to come with me.
have an idea" 1Hs
$50 away they went-Captain Grey
leading the way to the Museum of Art
and Antiquity where he chanced to have
dear friend in attendance, TO whom be
told his story, at the same time making
known his want. The keeper entered
into the plan with interest and promised
the Captain that be should have what he
wanted
a"Onfy," said he, 81 shall have to go
With them. as they are in my custody,
and l cannot properly let them 60 be-
yond my sight"
So il was agreed that the keeper OF the
museum should act ss one of Captain
Grey's seconds, and he would bring the
weapons.
On the folio wing morning, bright and
early, Colonel Tourzrl with two seconds
and the surgeon OF the regiment was on
the ground. And there we're others on
the ground.
Pretty soon coach appeared from
which stepped Captain Grey and his two
seconds, and the attache of the museum
came forth with the weapons In bis arms
Captain Grey stepped forth.
"Gentlemen," he said, 81 have been
challenged to Sight duel. have never
deserted nav colors yet, and l shall not
do it here in Msrseilles; but propose
to fight With a weapon that know how
TO use. And surely you, II you be true
Frencbmen, cannot object TO the lance
the weapon of your best and bravest!
And, my friends, can tell you further.
one Of these lances has been welded in
knightly combat by French king Aye,
this which here hole" "--taking one OF
them from the keeper-"was borne by
Henry the Fourth In gallant tournsy in
this very. place! Therefore, you csonot
object to. my choice OF weapons! And
now am ready. You, Colonel, may,