Alpena weekly argus. [volume] (Alpena, Mich.) 1871-1893, 1890-07-30

Major, that they must have mutual sat
isfaction. He agreed TO represent both,
and with much pomp prepared for the
occasion by ordering the carpenter to be
on hand Gin case of casualty" though
ant, George Washington, to ''have the
graves dug
1t was to be at sunset, and the two
principals were q little late. There
upon the Major, who had allowed
George Washington to act as second for
one of the duellists, proposed that the
seconds take their places.
George Washington was the major
domo, and bore his age with imposing
dignity.
The duel occurred as follows:
George" he said, George Wash
ington."
"Suh,., George Washington was never
so imposing.
my principal, Mr.. Pickering Law
renee, having failed to appear at the
designated time and place to meet his
engagement with Mr. Jefferson Lewis,
], as his second and representative, offer
myself to take his place and assume any
and all of his obligations"
George Washington bowed grandly.
Eyes, sub, of cose-dat is accordin' to
de CODE" he said, with solemnity beft-
ting the occasion.
The Major proceeded:
"And your principal, Mr.. jefferson
Lewis, having likewise failed to appear
at the proper time you take his place"
"Suh," CALCULATED George Washing
ton, in sudden astonishment, turning
his head slightly as if he were not GER
tain he had heard correctly: MAR se
Nat jis say dat agin, please, sub"
The Major elevated his voice and ad-
vanced his pistol slightly.
81 say, your principal, Mr.. Jefferson
Lewis, having in like manner failed to
put in his appearance at the proper time
and place agreed on for the meeting,
you as his representative take his place
and assume all his obligations"
"Oh! nor, sub, I don'tr' exclaimed
George Washington, shaking his head
30 violently that the demoralized beaver
fell Of again and rolled around unheed-
ed. 81 ain bargain for no SIGH thing as
dat. No, subj"
But the Major was obdurate.
Eyes, sir, you do. When you accept
the position of second you assume all
the obligations attaching to that POI
sition, and" the Major advanced his
pistol shall shoot at YOU"
George Washington took step
toward him. ''Oh! goodnessl Marse
Nat, you ain gwine do muffin like dat,
is you?" His jaw had fallen, and when
the Major bowed with deep solemnity
and replied: "Yes, sir, and you can
shoot at me-" he burst out:
"Marse Nat. don warn shoot at you.
What warn shoot at you for? ain
got muffin 'ginst you on dc fatal nth.
You been good master to me all my
days an" The Major cut short this
sincere tribute TO his virtues by saying:
Very we'll, you can shoot or not, as you
please. ! shall aim at that waistcoat."
He raised his pistol and partially closed
one eye. George Washington dropped
on his knees.
ooh, Marse Natl please subj What
you want TO shoot me for? Po' ole
good-for-nuttin' George Washington,
whar ain nuver done you no harm, but
ies steal you whisky an you cloe's an
-Marse Nat, OF you le' me off dis time
I DON nuver steal no mo- o. YOU clo'es,
er you whisky, or muffin Marse Nat,
you wouldn't shoot po' ole good-for-
muffin George Washington, whar fotch'
mp wild you?"
Eyes, sir, ! would" declared the
Major, sternly. III am going TO give
the word and he raised the pistol
once more.
George Washington began TO creep
toward him. ''Oh, Lordy Marse Natl
Please, sub. don pint dat thing at me
dat away-hit's loaded Oh, Lordyw he
shouted. The Major brandished his
weapon fiercely.