The Worthington advance. [volume] (Worthington, Minn.) 1874-1908, 1890-05-08

Major, that they must have mutual sa t.
isfaction. He agreed to represent both,
and with much pomp prepared for the
occasion by ordering the carpenter to be
ON hand "in case of a 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.''
sub" 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,
I, as his second and representative, offer
al oCAA w tSshO I'D pldC0 duu assume an Y
and all of his obligations"
George Washington bowed grandly.
Eyes, sub, IF cose-dat is accordin' to
de CODE" he said, with solemnity befit-
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 mead slightly as it he were not Ger.
tain he had heard correctly: ''Marse
Nat, jis say dat agin, please, suh."
The Major elevated his voice and ad-
vanced his pistol slightly.
Il say, your principa 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'tr' exclaimed
George Washington, shaking his head
so violently that the demoralized beaver
fell of again and rolled around unheed-
ed. Il ain bargain for no SIGH thing as
dat. No, suh!'
But the Major was obdurate.
Eyes, 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-'I shall shoot at YOU"
George Washington took step
toward him. "Oh! goodness! Marse
Nat, you ain gwine do nuttin' like dat,
is you?' His jaw had fallen, and when
the Major bowed with deep solemnity
and replied: Eyes, sir, and you can
shoot at me-" he burst out:
:'Marse Nat, dom warn shoot at you.
What warn shoot at you for? I aim
got nuttin' 'ginst you on dc fatal nth.
You been good master to me all my
lays am 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.
.'Ob, Marse Nat! please sub! What
you want to shoot me for? POI ole
yood-for-nuttin' George Washington,
whar ain nuver done you no harm, but
jes steal you whisky an you cloe's an
-Marse Nat, eff you le' me of dis time
Don nuver steal no mo- O. you clo'es.
Or YOU whisky, or nuttin'. Marse Nat,
you wouldn't shoot po' ole good-for-
nuttin' George Washington, whar fotch'
up wild your
Eyes, sir, I would" declared the
Major. sternly. II am going to give
the word and" he raised the pistol
once more. .s.
George Washington began to creep
toward him. ''Oh, Lordy! Marse Natl
Please, sub, dor' pint dat thing ct me
dat away-hit's loaded! Oh, Lordyl' he
shouted. The Major hrandished his
weapon 1ercsly.