The Wichita daily eagle. [volume] (Wichita, Kan.) 1890-1906, 1890-04-29
HIS LAST SHOT.

Some fifty years ago there lived in the Yves
of Ireland certain Capt. Fenton. This mar
had gained an unenviable notoriety in hi!
own and the neighboring counties as a sue
cesSful duelist. Not only was he known to
make the most trivial dispute pretext for a
challenge, but it was even reported that on
more than one occasion he purposely pro
voked a quarrel The meeting, in nearly
every instance, ended disastrously for his CD
ponent.
He had the reputation of being an unerring
shot. CooIly and collectedly he stepped to
his place, took steady aim, and almost inva-
riably brought down his man" 1t will
therefore be readily conceived that he was
dreaded and summed by his neighbors He
was a bachelor, and lived alone in a large
country mansion.
At that time there happened to be a line
regiment stationed liz the neighboring town
Of Galway. Capt. Fenton was on terms Of
Intimacy with some of the officers, and.
though far from being a general favorite, it
not infrequently occurred that he dined at
the mess on guest nights But whenever he
was present an air of restraint pervaded the
assembly. The dinner was Sure to be a spirit
less affair, and always lacked the tone Of
coed fellowship which usually characterizes
such entertainments.
This may In a measure be accounted for by
the fact that the captain was of a morose,
naughty disposition. His conversation gen
orally displayed bitter sarcasm. Moreover,
all present were aware of his fame as duel
ist. This knowledge rendered them more
cautious in speech, lest a chance word or ex-
preston should afford him sufficient grounds
for picking quarrel
About six months after its arrival in Gal
way the regiment was joined by junior sub
altern. He was mere lad, being still in his
teens; yet, by all accounts, he was fine, sol
derry young fellow. He gave every promise
of making splendid officer, and a few weeks
Fufficed to establish him as a favorite
But, alas, only short time elapsed before
be had the misfortune to fall foul OF Capt
Fenton. Though have heard the story from
those who dwelt in the neighborhood, and
who were fully acquainted with every detail,
yet | have never been able to ascertain the
exact cause of the disagreement However,
pertain it is that a challenge was given and
accepted. The affair was kept as secret as
ing took place in the corner of a meadow
about half a mile from the barracks
1t was a bright spring morning The peace
tul aspect Of nature formed terrible CON
trast to the bloody business which had brought
those fine men So early TO taia lonsiy spot
Not much time was lost in preparations. The
combatants were placed, the pistol. loaded,
and the seconds retired. The young officer
FsrEl of J
TO bis opponent He was a novice in such af-
Tairs, poor boy! It is even said that at the
precise moment of firing he involuntarily
closed his eyes II such Was the case, he never
opened them again in this world! His adver-
sary's ball passed right through his heart.
The surgeon ran forward aud raised the
fallen youth. A hasty examination showed
him that he held a corpse IN his arms While
ne was thus engaged, Capt. Fanton was occu-
pied in very different manner He was
carelesSiY cutting notch on tho stock Of his
pistol. There were Seven other marks of a
similar description, and each one represented
4 victim to which that weapon had dealt
death.
A stretcher was fetched from the barracks,
and the corpse was conveyed thither without
delay The affair would doubtless have caused
those engaged in it were careful to let as few
particulars as possible leak out. The friends
Of the deceased were communicated with
There seemed little likelihood of any IN
pleasant consequences ensuing. Capt Fenton
dined alone that evening, and after dinner
sat for over an hour slipping his claret with
evident enjoyment. One more or less to the
list of his victims was a matter of little ac-
count Ia him; ii was certainly not of Sufficient
Importance 10 disturb his equanmiuy.
Bat on the third dag 4 startling change
took place in the aspect OF affairs. A young
man, travel stained, pale and hagEard, err
rived in town. he proceeded at once TO the
barracks, ami announced himself As brother
of the deceased. He was conducted 10 the
room in which the BODY WAS laid. They say
the scene which followed was of the most
hesrtrending description. The stranger flung
himself upon the corpse, and, as he lay there,
his whole frame was shaken by convulsive
sohS.
1t quickly transpired that the brothers had
been left orphans when mere lads. They
were the Only children Of the family, and
through boynood had chung to each other.
feeling tna1 rHev vara alone in the world