The Logan County banner. [volume] (Logan, W. Va.) 1889-1903, 1890-12-04
A DEAD SHOT.
The Ball That Laid Noted Duel
list Low.

Some fifty years ago there lived in
the west of Ireland certain Captain
Fenton. This man had gained an un-
enviable notoriety in his own and the
neighboring counties as successful
duelist Not only was he known to
make the most trivial dispute pretext
for challenge, but it was even re-
ported that, on more than one occasion,
he purposely provoked quarrel The
meeting, in nearly every instance,
ended disastrously to his opponent.
He had the reputation of being an I'M
erring shot. Coolly and eollectedly he
stepped to his place, took steady aim,
and almost invariably brought down
his man" 1t will, therefore, be readily
conceived that he was dreaded and
Stunned by his neighbors. He was a
bachelor. and lived alone in large
country mansion.
At that time there happened to be a
line regiment stationed in the neigh
boring town of Galway. Captain Fen
ton was ON terms Of intimacy with
some of the officers, and, though far
from being q general favorite, 1t not
infrequently occurred that he dined at
the mess on guest nights. But when
ever he was present an air of restraint
pervaded the assembly. The dinner
was sure to be spiritless affair, and
always lacked the tone OF good-fel-
lowship which usually characterixes
such entertainments.
This may in measure be accounted
for by the fact that the captain was OF a
morose, naughty disposition. His con.
versation generally displayed bitter
sarcasm. Moreover, all present were
aware Of his fame as duelist. This
knowledge rendered them more cautious
in speech, lest chance word or express
sion should afford him sufficient grounds
sorpicking quarrel.
Ab6ntsix months after It's arrival in
Galway the regiment was joined by a
Junior subaltern. He was mere lad,
being still in his teens; vet by all ac-
counts, he was fine, soldierly young
fellow. He gave every promise Of max
ing splendid officer, and few weeks
sufficed to established him as favorite.
But, alas! only q short time elapsed
before he had the misfortune to fall foul
of Captain Fenton. Though l have
heard the story from those who dwelt
in the neighborhood, and who we're fully
acquainted with every detail, yet have
never been able to ascertain the exact
cause Of the disagreement However,
certain 1t is that challenge was given
and accepted. The affair was kept as
secret as possible, and at the appointed
time the meeting took place in the cor
ner Of meadow about half mile from
the barracks
1t was bright spring morning The
peaceful aspect Of nature formed ter
rible contrast 70 the awful bushes &
which had brought those fine men SC
early to this lonely spot Not much
time was lost in preparations. The
contestants were placed, the pistols
loaded, and the seconds retired The
young officer stood with his full front Of
his body presented to his opponent He
was a novice In such affairs, poor boy
cit is even said that at the precise mo
ment Of firing he involuntarily closed
his eyes II such was the case. he never
opened them again in this worldl Hi:
adversary's ball passed right through
his heart.
The surgeon ran forward and raised
the fallen youth. A hasty examination