Macon beacon. [volume] (Macon, Miss.) 1859-1995, 1890-10-11

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A stretcher was fetched from the ba.
racks and the corpse was conveye
thither without delay. The afai
would doubtless have created a pr
to found sensation, but for obviou
reasons, those engaged in it were earl
full to let as few particulars as possibl
!. leak VI The friends Of the deceaset
were communicated with. There SCENE
n little likelihood OF any unpleasant con
sequences ensuing. Captain Fentoi
dined alone that evening, and ate
e dinner sat for over an hour slipping hi
%elaret with evident enjoyment on
81 more or less TO the list OF his victim.
was a matter Of little account to him
il was certainly not Of sufficient impor
lance to disturb his equanimity.
But on the third day a startling
change took place in the aspect o
affairs. A young man, travel-staiued.
pale and haggard, arrived in the town.
He proceeded at once 70 the barracks
and announced himself SIS brother Of
the deceased. He was conducted to the
room in which the body was laid. They
say the scene which followed was Of the
most extraordinary description. The
stranger flung himself upon the corpse.
and, as he lay there, his whole frame
was shaken by convulsive sobs.
ltquickly TRANSFERRED that the brothers
had been left orphans when mere lads.
They were the only children Of the
family, and through boyhood had chung
10 each other, feeling that they were
alone in the world. Their love was
like that which bound David and iona.
than together. 1t can. therefore. be
scarcely conceived with what feelings
of dismay the elder heard of the death
OF the younger.
When the first paroxysm of grief was
oyer, the young man raised himself
from the corpse, Then, in a voice half
choked by emotion, he uttered a
solemn vow to take speedy revenge
upon his brothers slayer. With this
object in view he retired from the
apartment, and Instantly dispatched a
challenge to Captain Fenton. The
officers endeavored to dissuade him
from such a rash step, pointing out that
instead Of avenging the slai n he was
himself sure to fall a victim to his op-
ponent's skill. But remonstrance was
in vain. To one and all he replied
simply; My brother is dead; I do not
care to live"
Under these circumstan ces it seemed
hopeless to prevent this second duel.
Some indeed thought of appealing to
Captain Fenton in order to persuade
him, if possible, into refusing the
challenge. But none were very eager
to undertake such an unpleasant duty,
especially as there appeared little like
lihood of their efforts being crowned
with success.
Nevertheless, there was one who vent.
ured upon the disagreeable task. a Mr..
Martin, who resided in the neighbor-
hood. The greater part of his life had
beer spent in Australia, where he had
worked an extensive sheep station.
But want of success. or some other un-
known reason, made him sell out and
return to his native country. Here he
rented large tracts Of land for grazing
purposes. His sheep runs extended
upwards OF a dozen miles, and he had
also several magnificent herds of cat
tie.
He was generally looked upon as a
quiet, unassuming old gentleman, who
had never interfered in other peoples
business. In fact, his one aim and OBJ
lect in life seemed to be the welfare of
his focks and herds. But, in the pres.
emit instance. having learnt some partic-
ulars regarding the late tragedy, he
determined. If possible, to prevent a
repetition OF the sad event. With this
object in view he called upon Captain
Fenton.
Though he had turned three.score
years, Mr.. Martin was still hale and
hearty. Like the patriarch of old, Ibis
eye was not dim nor natural force
abated." A beard of SNOWY whiteness
descended from his weather. beaten
countenance. His venerable appearance
would in all probability, have given con-
siderable weight to his arguments had
he to deal with one who respected gray
hairs. But as it was, Captain Fenton
listened with ill-concealed, contempt.
In answer to the old mans remon-
strances regarding the result of the re-
cent duel, his reply invariably was that
'it served the young cub right"
Mr.. Martin entreated him to relin-
quish his intention of fighting the sur
viving brother. The intercession was
so persistent that, as might have been
anticipated, the captain lost his temper.
Turning upon his visitor, he abruptly
ordered him to leave the house-adding
an offensive expression to the effect
that "he would not allow an old bullock
driver to interfere in his affairs of
honor"
Sir" returned Mr.. Martin, quietly,
you have insulted mel'
SIT seems So" replied the captain,
tauntingly.
And" continued the old man, in the
same calm tones, II demand immediate
satisfaction
with all my heart" responded Cap
tain Fenton, laughing loudly at the
.absurdity Of the idea.
Moreover, as you have been guilty of
such ungentlemanly conduct" said Mr..
Martin, II insist that my claim shall
have preference over all other engage