The Forrest City times., 1891-05-15
ALL READY FOR A DUEL.

NXAX was stationed (AX@HAA at Morgan s
 Wl1$s Ford. Our col ~3M EY AA onel had been
 N " shot by an In
 ~ dian guerrilla and our lieutenant-colonel had gone home ill; so the command devolved upon our major, whose name was Farwell. He was middle aged, dash ing fellow, given to social enjoyment on good terms with himself; and, as a general thing, keeping on pretty good terms with those about him. He was naturally free and easy; a fine soldier, and strict disciplinarian. He was a kind-hearted, generous man, though troubled with temper that some times led him into error.
 Major Farwell had been in command but a few weeks when he resolved to send for his wife to come and stop with him through the summer. He had comfortable and commodious quarters, and there was little danger that the Indians would make another attack. l was away on foraging ex- petition when Mrs. Farwel arrived; but returned on the following day and was in time to attend the party which the major gave on the occasion The staff and line officers, not kept away on duty, were all present, and joy and merriment ruled the hour Mrs. Farwell was younger than her husband; handsome, portly woman; bearing herself with peculiar grace and dignity without any effort at show or atfectation. She assumed no needless reserve, but treated her guests with kindness and consideration. seeming only anxious that all should feel at home and enjoy themselves.
 In that far-off region the laws of total abstinence were not strictly adhered to; and on the present oc- casion we emptied many bottles of wine. Towards midnight the ladies withdrew; but the officers were not quite ready to retire. The major was in the highest of spirits, and song and story, with flowing goblets, gave us oc- cupation. By and by 1 proposed as q toast, Mrs. Major Farwell," and 1t was drank with three cheers. Why in the world the major should have taken offence I could not comprehend; but he did so, and intimated that l had better not make too free with his wife's name.
 "Egadl" replied, without stopping to weight my words, ''if you must have your handsome lady as sacred as that, you ought not have brought here out here"
 Captain Willett," he cried, rising to his feet, Eff you breath the lady's name again, I'll kick you from my quarters"
 l had started from my seat when Lieutenant Walker, who sat by my side, pulled me back.
 "Zoundsl" he uttered, in a hurried whisper, "don't say another word. The old majors mad, and he's Q bit jealous, too. Can't you see it?"
 AS Walker spoke 1t flashed upon me that Mrs. Farwell had been very at tentive to me. She had danced with me four or five times, and had prone naded with me under the piazza. But 1 could not bear such language as Major Farwell had addressed to me; and in spite of my friend remon- strance, I retorted upon him. My blood was heated with whiskey, and l cared no more for the commanding of ticer at that time than would have cared for our drummer-boy.
 By heaven, sir!" exclaimed, you would have fine time kicking me out! Perhaps you had better try it nows"
 The major sprang towards me, and caught me by the collar. thought at the time that he meant to strike me; but was subsequently, convinced that he did not. But struck him-struck him upon the cheek with the flat of my hand. With a hissing oath he drew 8 pistol from his pocket but be- fore he could useit the adjutant caught his arm, and three or -four ofmy friends hurried me from the room, and led mo away to my own quarters.
 On the following morning awoke with anything but 8 pleasant feeling; and when Remembered what had tram spired during the previous night felt wretched enough. I cursed the wine cup and the whiskey-bottle from the bottom of my heart, and inwardly re- solved that 1 would touch the stuff no more. Still I was forced to take a stiff hot glass to steady my nerves; and after I had dressed myself sat down to cup of coffee. was thus engaged when our adjutant, MT Bow ker, entered my quarters. I bade him good morning, and asked him if he would not take breakfast with me.
 "Not now" said he, shaking his head. "I have called upon business. "Ah, captain, this is a bad affair. Do you remember that you struck the major last night?"
 Yes-I remembered it very well-I remembered it too well.
 "He expects you will make an apol- ogy," pursued the adjutant.
 "And if do not?"
 '"Then you must fight him."
 "You were present, Bowker, during the whole scene?"
 "Yee."
 'Then wish you to tell me the truth, for lam free to confess that my brain was on 8 bit of whirl last aight. First: did I, in my toast to Major Farwell's wife, give him the least occasion for ill-feelingf" .I could see none, captain: but you must remember that he had been drink. ing"
 "Exactly-and in that wewere even.