Phillipsburg herald. [volume] (Phillipsburg, Kan.) 1882-1905, 1888-06-29


before Mrs. Lathrop had time Co re-
ply, Helene had left the room.
II
Day was lust daWning when Hamp
Harper and Adolph Cumming took
their seats on an overhanglng craig
on the top OF Lone mountain. Hamp
and his second had come, according
20 the agreement, to meet an advsr-
sary In what he trusted would be q
harmless conflict; for in his heart he
did not wish to kill James Bancroft,
and on the other hand, he did not
want to be killed. He had hopes even
now, that an amicable agreement
could be reached, and he had resolved
upon a course in that direction. The
first crimson streaks Of the rising sun
could be seen In the east when Adolph
said:
isn't it about time for him to put
in an appearances"
eyes, for it is only q few moments
until sunrise now" answered Hamp.
Suppose L discharge my pistol.
and see If we can hear from him?"
suggested AdOlph.
"As you please" Hamp replied.
Acting upon this, AdOlDh discharg.
ed the weapon in the air, and stimuli
taneOusly almost it was answered by
a similar report from somewhere
down the mountain.
'"They are coming" spoke both
men III the same breath, and it was
even so, for Just as the sun rose from
behind the eastern horizon, James
Bancroft, accompanied by a villain
Gus looking fellow, rounded the craig
upon which Harper and Cumming
were sitting.
To Ramps pleasant Good morn
ing, gentlemen" James Bancroft re-
piled:
''It will be bad morning for one of
US, Hamp Harper. If it be me, all
right; If you, then may your bones
never grow blacker."
''Ih there no other way to settle this
affair, Mr.. Bancrott?' ventured
Hamp, determined to carry out his
resolve in trying to bring about a re-
Cancellation without resortine to the
use of arms.
None whatever, SIR answered
Bancroft, with cOntemptuous smile,
evidently misInterpreting Ramps
incoming In asking the question.
Then you are resolved upon this
Eyes, sir; nothing short Of that will
satisfy me-"
''AIr. Cumming" said Hamp, will
you please step of twenty paCes2"
That gentleman Immediately meas
ured the distance.
Hamp then stepped up to Bancroft,
and extending his hand, said:
''Mr. Bancroft, wish you wellT'
Bancroft started perceptibly at this.
and muttered something under his
breath.
Gentlemen" said Mr.. Cumming,
81 Will count three; at one you raise
your weapons, at two you take aim,
and at three you 6rel Do you und ar
stand the arrangement"
Both nodded affirmativeiy.
Bancroft's second was standing at
a safe distance, trembling like an as
pen.
A deathly stiffness prevailed the
whole mountain. The stiffness was
painful. Cumming took his stand
midway between the duelists and in a
steady, ringing voice, said:
Gentleman, take your stands"
They both took their places.
A moment more OF silence, and
Cumming said, with slow. steady ac-
cents:
"One!''
''Two!"
"'rhreei"
There was a report as If one weapon
had been discharged, but both men
fell, Bancroft falling heavily as if he
had been killed instantly, while Hamp
Harper tOttered, grasped at a limb
for support, and sank gradually to
the ground.
Cumming hurried over to Hamp to
ascertain the extent of his hurt.
quickly, she is badly hurt. l think"
Upon examination it was found to
be as Hamp had surmIsed. The ball
had entered just below the left eye
and came out behind the right ear.
Looking around he called Bancroft's
second, but he was nowhere to be
seen. A thorough search failed to re-
veal him. He had gone Immediately
after the duelists had taken their
stands, and was then perhaps a mile
from the dueling ground.
Il am mortally wounded" said
Bancroft feebly. go for Helene i'm
mediately; want to see her once
more before I die"
But 1 can't leave you here by
yourself" said Cumming.
''My second, where is her"
leone" replied Cumming. ''He left
before the duel.
'"Ehe coWardl''
''Come and assist me to rise, Cum
ing, said Hamp- "Pm able to wait
on Bancroft; I'm only shot through
the arm.'
After getting him on his feet he ap-
peared to be all right, with the ex-
ception Of his right arm, which hung
limp by his side
True to his word, Hamp proceeded
TO attend on Bancroft, getting him as
comfortable as possible by putting
his head on his coat. which he pulled
on and folded up for him to use Tor a
nillOW