Macon beacon. [volume] (Macon, Miss.) 1859-1995, 1890-10-11
A DEAD SHOT.
The Ball That Laid a Noted Duel.
list Low.

Some fifty years ago there lived in
the west Of Ireland a certain Captain
Fenton. This man had gained an un-
enviable notoriety in his W and the
neighboring counties as a successful
duelist. Not only was he known to
make the most trivial dispute a pretext
for a challenge, but it was even re-
ported that, on more than one occasion,
he purposely provoked a quarrel. The
meeting, in nearly every instance,
ended disastrously to his opponent.
He had the reputation Of being an un-
erring shot. Coolly and collectedly 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 a 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 a general favorite, it 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 a spiritless affair, and
always lacked the tone OF a good-fel-
lowship which usually characterixes
such entertainments.
This may in a measur be accounted
for by the fact that the captain was of q
morose, naughty disposition. His con.
versation generally displayed a bitter
sarcasm. Moreover, all present were
aware OF his fame as a duelist. This
knowledge rendered them more cautious
In speech, lest a chance word or express
sion should afford him su efficient grounds
Tor picking a quarrel.
About six months after its arrival in
Galway the regiment was joined by a
Junior subaltern. He was q mere lad,
being still in his teens; vet, by all &C.
counts, he was q fine, soldierly young
fellow. He CAV every promise of max
ing a splendid officer, and q few weeks
suficed to established him as q favorite.
But, alas! only a 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 a 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 q mile from
the barracks.
1t was a bright spring morning. The
peaceful aspect Of nature formed a ter
rible contrast 70 the awful business
which had brought those fine men SO
early to this lonely spot Not much
time was lost in preparations. The
c~ombatantA were placed, the pistols
loaded, and the seconds retired. The
young ofhcer stood with his full front Of
his body presented TO his opponent He
"a . novice In such Affairs, poor boy
NA even said that ct the precise mo.
nent Of Airing he involuntariIy closed
he syss. Il such was the case, he never
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