St. Paul daily globe. [volume] (Saint Paul, Minn.) 1884-1896, 1890-04-16
object in view he called upon Capt.

eye was not dim, nor his natural force
abated." A beard of snowy WhitenesS
descended from his weather-beaten
cOuntenance. His venerable appearance
would, in all probability. have given
considerable weight to his arguments
had he to deal with one who respected
gray hairs. But, as it was, Capt. Fehton
listened to him with ill-concealed con-
tempt. In answer to the old mans re-
monstrances regarding the result of the
recent duel, his reply invariably was
that lit 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 tenn
per. Turning upon his visitor, he alb
ruptly 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 me-"
sit seems So" replied the captain,
tauntingly.
And" continued the old man in the
same calm tones, 81 demand immediate
satisfaction"
w lbH dill lily utdIt, ICSp OiuCu SdpI.
Fenton, laughing at the abSurdity of
the idea.
moreover, as you have been guilty
of such ungentlemanly conduct" said
Mr.. Martini insist that my claim shall
have preference over all other engage
mentS."
"Oh, certainly" replied the captain,
with mock gravity. Tomorrow morn
ing, if you wish it. | am engaged to
meet the young fellow in whom you
take such vast amount of interest in
the corner of the big meadow at
o'clock. Be there little before that
hour. But don't be late, for want to
dispose of both affairs and return here
in time for breakfast"
II shall be punctual," returned the
old gentleman; and without saying more
he left the house.
He was as good as his word. At 7:30
in the morning he was on the ground,
attended by his second. Captain Fen
ton soon arrived. and later OH the party
was joined by the brother of the de-
ceased subaltern, with whom was one
of the officers from the barracks.
1t was fearful to behold the wild look
which the young man fixed upon Capt.
Fenton. Not once during the prepare
lions did his eyes wander from his
brothers. slayer While the pistols were
being loaded, Mr.. Martins second whis
pered to him:
''Don't lose moment when the sig
nal is given. Aim low; it is your only
chanceW
mo-" replied the old man. loudly;
II shall strike him full in the head"
1t is not known whether this speech
reached his opponents ears, and in
some measure disconnected him. 1t is
believed that the steady gaze of the
brothers death. was not without effect.
Certain it is that Capt. Fenton did not
take his place with his customary as
Surance.
The men were posted. The rest re-
tired to suitable distance, leaving the
combatants steadily gazing at each
other. A minute or two of terrible sus-
pense followed, during which brief
space the silence of death reigned over
the spot. Then the signal was given,
and, almost simultaneously, the two re-
ports were heard. For a few seconds
the smoke prevented the spectators
from aScertaining the result. but as it
slowly rose they saw old Mr.. Martin
standing erect and firm, while Capt.
Fenton was stretched full length upon
the ground.
Both the seconds fastened toward
their principals. The two men from
the barracks also ran to Mr.. Martins
side and eagerly inquired il he was
hurt. They found the old gentleman
bleeding slightly at the neck, but he
carelessly brushed the blood away with
the back of his hand. Then, turning
with a kindly manner toward the youth
whom he had riSked his life to save, he
said, simply:
81 don't think had any other way of
preventing this Door boy from sharing
the fate of his BROTHER"
Capt. Fenton's second now advanced,
and announced that his man was dead.
The bullet had penetrated the left tenn
pie. He requested their assistance in
removing the body. This they readily
granted, but Mr.. Martin and his young
friend held aloof, AS the others raised
the dead man they noticed peculiar
hardness and stiffness about the body.
On tearing open the garments of the
deceased cry of horror and rage broke
from them. They found concealed be-
meath his clothing tight-fitting coat of
mail!
The cause of his having escaped I'M
injured i'm so many duelS was now fully
explained. He had evidently provided
himself with this defense from the old
armory which his mansion contained.
Though, doubtless, not perfectly bullet
proof, yet in nine cases out of ten ball
was almost sure to glance off the net
work of steel.
AS to Mr.. Martin, his fame as marks
man soon spread far and wide. People
were exceedingly cautious in what they
said, and how they acted toward the
old gentleman. None ventured to trifie
with one who was known to be "a Dead
Shot"