Staunton vindicator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1860-1896, 1890-05-30

of Galway. Capt. Fenton was on terms of
intimacy with some of the officers, and,
though far from being 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
good 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 a bitter sarcasm. Moreover,
all present were aware of his fame as duel
ist. This knowledge rendered them more
cautious in speech, lest 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 SUBJ
altern. He was mere lad, being still in his
teens; yet, by all accounts, he was fine, sol
dierly young fellow. He gave every promise
of making a splendid officer, and few weeks
sufficed to establish him as favorite
But, alas, only short time elapsed before
he 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,
certain it is that challenge was given and
accepted. The affair was kept as secret as
possible, and at the appointed time the meet
ing took place in the corner of a meadow
about half mile from the barracks.
1t was a bright spring morning. The peace
full aspect Of nature formed a terrible con-
trast to the bloody business which had brought
those fine men SO early to this lonely spot.
Not much time was lost in preparations. The
combatants were placed, the pistols loaded,
and the seconds retired. The young officer
stood with the full front of his body presented
to his opponent He was novice in such af-
fairs, poor boyl It is even said that at the
precise moment of firing he involuntarily
closed his eyes. If such was the case, he never
opened them again in this world! His adver-
sarys ball passed right through his heart.
The surgeon ran forward and raised the
fallen youth. A hasty examination showed
him that he held a corpse i'll his arms. While
he was thus engaged, Capt Fenton was occu-
pied in very different manner. He was
carelessly cutting notch on the stock Of his
pistol. There were seven other marks of a
anu GeaCil CI0
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
aprofound sensation; but, for obvious reasons,
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 un-
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 to him; it was certainly not of sufficient
Importance to disturb his equalfmity.
But on the third day a startling change
took place in the aspect Of affairs. A young
man, travel stained, pale and haggard, ar
rived in town. He proceeded at once to the
barracks, and announced himself as brother
Of the deceased. He was conducted to the
room i'll which the body was laid. They say
the scene which followed was of the most
heartrending description. The stranger flung
himself upon the corpse, and, as he lay there,
his whole frame was shaken by convulsive
sobs.
1t quickly transpired that the brothers had
been left orphans when mere lads, They
were the only children Of the family, and
through boyhood had chung to each other,
feeling that they were alone in the world.
Their love was like that which bound David
and Jonathan together. 1t can, therefore, be
scarcely conceived with what feelings of dis
NAV the elder heard of the death of the
younger.
When the first paroxysm of grief was over,
the young man raised himself from the corpse.
Then, in a voice half choked by emotion, he
uttered solemn VOW to take speedy ven.
geance upon his brothers slayer. With this
object in view he retired from the apartment,
and instantly dispatched a challenge to Capt.
Fenton The officers endeavored to dissuade
him from such rash step, pointing out that
instead of avenging the slain, he was himself
sure to fall q Victim to his opponents skill.
But remonstrance was in vain. To one and
ell he replied, simply, ''My brother is dead
do not care to live"
Under these circumstances it seemed hope
less to prevent this second duel. Some in
deed, thought Of appealing to Capt. Fenton,
in order to persuade him, if possible, into
refusing the challenge. But none We're very
eager to undertake such an unpleasant duty,
especially as there appeared little likelihood
Of their efforts being crowned with SUCCESS.
Nevertheless, there was one who ventured
upon the disagreeable task. THIS was OF.
elderly gentleman, a Mr.. Martin, who resided
in the neighborhood. The greater part of hi.
life had been spent in Australia, where he
had worked an extensive sheep statian, But
want of success, or some other unknown rea
son, made him sell out and return to his native
country. Here he rented large tracts of land
for grazing purposes. His sheep ''runs' ex
tended upward of q dozen miles, and he had
also several magnificent herds Of CATTLE
He was generally looked upon as quiet
unassuming Old gentleman, who never inter
fered in any other peoples business In fact
his one aim and object in life seemed to be
the welfare of his fiocks and herds But in
the present instance, having learned some
particulars regarding the late tragedy, be
determined, if possible, to prevent repeti
ton of the sad event. With this object in
view he called upon Capt. Fenton.
Though he had turned threeseore years
Mr.. Martin was still hale and hearty. Like
the patriarch of old. CHS eye was not dim,
nor his natural force abated." A beard of
snowy Whiteness descended fran his weather
EedIeI cOuuloHducc. Ilis VetitIEDlG appear
ance would, i'll all probability, have given
considerable light to his arguments had lie
to deal with one who respected gray hairs.
But, as it Wac. Capt. Fenton listened to him
with i'll concealed contempt. III answer to
the old mans remonstrances regarding the
result of the recent duel, his reply invaliab bly,
was that sit served the young cub right"
Mr.. Martin entreated him to relinguish his
intention Of fighting the surviving brother
The intercessicn was so persistent that, as
might have been anticipated, the captain lost
his temper. Turning upon his visitor, he alb
ruptly ordered him to leave the house-add-
ing 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, 'tyou
have insulted met"
'It seems so" replied the captain, taunt-
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