The southern sentinel. (Winnfield, La.) 1883-1910, 1886-03-19

E0GQIm0Q 70 NJ Olu uOxl1o III OV0ou NSAV
lina, and edited . newspaper.
Though the people who lived near the
scene Of the duel could see spots OF
blood on the grass where Judge Cooley
fell, little attention was paid to that, as
the grass would wither and die in the
winter and new crop sprout in the
spring. And so the stains were left un-
disturbed.
1t was not very long after that Mr..
Bienvenu challenged Judge Phillips,
practicing lawyer, and had the satisfac-
ton of receiving q favorable answer to
his cartel.
Again shotguns, loaded with ball,
were the weapons, and the identical spot
where the Rhett-C Cooley duel was fought
was chosen. Once more Carson Nudge
was called upon to display his ability in
preparing the powder and ball. His
services were secured by the Phillips
party.
Little change had been made in the
scene about the broad lane, and to the
ordinary observer there was nothing to
show that man had been killed on the
spot where the Bienvenu party were
standing.
The reason was not the same, it is
true, and the olcanders were not bloom
ing. Neither was the day so fine.
Clouds shrouded the sun, and the trees
looked like gaunt sentinels watching
some hallowed place. The wind was
laden with the spray from the white
caps in the wavy Sound, and left q
chin upon the cheeks it kissed. as it
went moaning through the pine for.
est beyond. It was mournfu!
scene, and the men who had gathered
there seemed impressed with the un-
canny nature of the spot and surround
ings. Winter had brought death to
natures beauties, and man was pre-
pairing to deal death to his fellow.
The ground. though. bore no marks
of a struggle. Apparently al signs OF
the previous affair had been Obliterated.
But to one who knew, and who cared to
look, there was a mute witness to the
deadly strife, the memory of which
still lived with those assembled.
Two blood-stained leaves were cling
ing to stem of deer grass; the stem,
too. was slightly tinged with red, but
On the other side were two more leaves
- green and juicy as they were in the
spring. The cold that had interviewed
had not chilled nor withered them. The
ephemeral life of the tender summer
blades had been preserved and pro-
longed by the vivifying hearts blood OF
. strong man.
Mr.. Bienvenu took his position next
to the incarnadined shrub and awaited
the word.
It was given and the men fired.
Quickly the seconds and surgeons
rushed to each, but there was no need Of
assistance. Neither had been touched.
A look of disappointment came over
the faces of two or three, but two or
three others were glad that the bullets
had sped wide Of their mark.
The seconds conferred and were in
clined to bring about an amicable set
Element
"No," vehemently exclaimed Mr..
Bienvenu. 81 have not come here for
fun, nor for an apology. / came here
to fight-to kill him if could. and I in
sist upon another shot"
Judge Phillips declared he was not
anxious, nor did he care what was done;
he was in the hands of his friends.
The excitable creole was gesticulating
and declaring to his seconds that confer
ences were useless; they had agreed to
oct for him, and he desired that the duel
should be to o finish.
Once more the accommodating Mr..
Nudge measured his powder and
weighed his bullet This time there was
to be no mistake. Life was in the bal
ance and blood should flow.
The men stood with the stocks of their
gums on their hips, the muxxles at m
angle of forty-tive degrees and the ham,
mer ct full cock. Before 'sone" had
been called the quick creole had pulled
the trigger. and the sound Of. 1.-TWO" was
lost in the report Of Judge Phillips
weapon.
Mr.. Bienvenu fell, raised his hand and
died.
'.It Is NO use-he Is shot through the
heart" sofrowfully said the surgeon,
and they bore him away.
His wife had lost . husband, but he
had avenged what he had pleased TO
term IN insult with his life
When the duelists left the ground the
two green leaves Of the deer grass were
no longer 30. The dead man had fallen
to the left Of the sprig, and the leaves
had dipped into his blood and taken its
color.
Four years after, the writer visited
the spot when attending another duel,
which was fought in the vicinity, and
which ended By one Of the combatantz