The Portland daily press. [volume] (Portland, Me.) 1862-1921, 1892-01-30

were aiding and abeGGlng the baron.
The officer of the deck was summoned
to the conference. During the continued
use of champagne it was determined that
It was a solemn moral duty to stand by
the baron, and another bottle was opened.
Still the missing major came not. Time
was passing. Something must be done,
so Lieutenant McKillen was sent for. Z.
After being introduced to the baron
and hearing the case, the captain in
br1ned the lieutenant that our honor was
1t stake and that he would have the
high privilege of acting as the baron's
second when, just at this juncture, Ma
ior Randall came on board.
With flower in his buttonhole, his
coat thrown back from his ample chest,
hum,ning popular air from the 'Grand
Duchess and apparently at peace with
all the world, the gallant fleet marine
officer stepped from the outer darkness
upon the quarter deck. He was prob
ably the most peaceful warrior in the
world at that time. Correct in habits,
mild and gentle in demeanor, with pro-
found respect for regulations and a great
care not to break them, he seemed to be
the last person in the world to assist in a
duel.
Upon him bounced the officer Of the
deck.
Major" said he, prepare your mind
for something very serious. You will
require all your fortitude for painful
and trying duty; one that you must per-
form for the honor and credit OF the flag
and of the uniform you wear, and before
the astonished soldier could utter word
the deck officer rushed him into the
cabin.
''Oh, major, you are just in time. You
have Just come very near to losing a
chance to distinguish yourself in seri-
GUS matter Have glass of wine"
So spoke Captain Tompion, while the
baron shook him effusively by the hand.
The matter in question was explained
to the major, while the captain and the
first lieutenant impressed upon him his
duty in the case Lieutenant McKillen,
who was now out of the fight, took great
pleasure in helping the major with
friendly advice, while the steward opened
announcer DOtUle Oh CIldA pdSilS.
What passed through the pacific mind
of the soldier no one knew at that time.
It he mentally beheld vision Of q CORY
field of battle, with one or possibly both
coinbatants stretched upon the grass
wounded or dead, if he thought of his
own arrest and trial before a court
martial, he gave no sign of his feelings.
On the contrary, like one waking from
sleep, he suddenly exclaimed, Baron,
will act for you in this case with much
pleasure am quite at your service, .
and after each had shaken him solemnly
by the hand, they all took drink.
1t was getting late. The major, saying
nothing to any one, carefully arrayed
himself in his best uniform coat, and &C.
companied the baron on shore.
The next morning an intense but quiet
excitement pervaded the after part Of the
ship. In low voices the officers discussed
the matter liz all it's bearings. Had the
duel come off and the major secreted
himself until he could evade the authori-
ties on shore and escape to the ship? Had
the combatants gone long distance into
the country and not yet returned? Such
queries were discussed pro and con, and
still no major came. Breakfast passed.
Quarters, and no major. Lunch, and he
was still absent. Every boat was scanned
for a sight of his stalwart form and
genial face. At last it was resolved to
send delegation on shore to look him
up, when, just as they were about to
start, boat came alongside, and the
major stepped on deck.
His countenance was solemn, almost
stolid in it's expression. His coat was
buttoned up awry and was unbrushed
His usually resplendent shoes were I'M
polished, but drawing his form to its
full height he saluted the officer of the
deck in military manner and deliber-
ately said, "Sir, have returned aboard. y
Making half face to the left he pro-
ceeded to the hatch and carefully went
below.
His expectant messmates were IN the
yardroo1n in force to hear the news.
Whether he was the bearer Of tragic
words or whether Of cheerful ones was
the question. The hero seated himself
at the table, and all gathered around.
After moment OF silence the major
spoke as follows ''If any of you fellows
want to fight duel, call on me to act
for you. can y it right every time
"How was it, MAJOR"
Chow did it come out?"
"What did you do?'
Such questions came in fast. The
major pulled himself together, called
for glass of water and said, ''Sit down,
gentlemen, and will tell you all about
it."
"Messlnates." he began, Judging
from my dilapidated appearance and
my somewhat interrupted speech, you
may imagine that am the victim OF
grief, or of hurried flight from tragic
scene beg to assure you that it is not
SO. There is nothing the matter with
me but conviviality, and that of the
strangest kind | hereby renew my
offer to act as a second in any further
duels that may come our way and the
major leaned back in his chair and pat
ted his swelling breast approvingly.
81 need not tell you, gentlemen, that
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