The Iowa plain dealer. [volume] (New Oregon, Howard County, Iowa) 1867-1895, 1890-05-08


Major, that they must have mutual sat
isfaction. lie agreed to represent both.
and with much pomp prepared for the
occasion by ordering the carpenter to be
on hand lin case Of q casualty" though
he deferred the move of his body serv-
ant George Washington, to 'have the
graves dug"
1t was to be at sunset and the two
principals were 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,
l, 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 beiit-
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 establishment, turning
his mead slightly as If he were not Ger.
tain he had heard correctly: '.Marse
Nat, jis say dat agin. please, sub"
The Major elevated his voice and ad-
vanced his pistol slightly.
Il 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, / don'tw exclaimed
George Washington, shaking his head
SO violently that the demoralized beaver
fell on again and rolled around unheed-
ed. Il ain bargain for no sich thing as
dat No, subj"
But the Maj or was obdurate.
"ies, sir. you do. When you accept
the position Of second you assume all
the obligations attaching to that po-
sition, and the Major advanced his
pistol shall shoot at YOU"
George Washington took step
toward him. ''Oh! goodness! Marse
Nat, you ain gwine do nuttin' like dat,
Is your His jaw had fallen, and when
the Major bowed with deep solemnity
and replied: "Ycs, sir, and you can
shoot at me-" he burst out:
..Marse Nat. don warn shoot at you.
What warn shoot at you for? l aim
got muffin 'ginst you on de fatal nth.
You been good master to me all nv
lays an" The Major cut short this
sincere tribute to his virtues by saving:
Very we'll, you can shoot or not. as you
please. l shall aim at that waistcoat,
tie raised his pistol and partially closed
one eye. George Washington dropped
on his knees.
''Oh. Marse Nat! please sub! What
you want to shoot me for? Po' ole
Eood-for-nuttin' George Washington,
whar ain nuver done you no harm, but
les steal you whisky an YOU cloe's an
-Marse Nat, eff you To- me off dis time
Don nuver steal no mo- o. YOU clo'es.
er you whisky, er nuttin,. Marse Nat,
Jou wouldn't shoot po' ole good for
muffin George Washington, whar fotch'
up wild your
'Yes, sir, would declared the
Major, sternly. II 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 ut mo
lat away-hit's loaded! Oh, Lordy!" he
shouted. The Major Lrandished his
HeapQn lercelY.