Deseret evening news. [volume] (Great Salt Lake City [Utah]) 1867-1920, 1892-02-18
THE MAJORS DUEL.

i liz Al hDOit ~ ~ u iSiLs
Tho flagship Martingale, Of the south
Atlantic squadron, was moorcd In the
beautiful harbor Of Rio Janoiro The
flag Of Rear Admiral Sansompost How
from tho miEzcn truck. The war DO
tween Brazil and Paraguay WINS pro
crossing slowly, but Us 1t affected many
interests OF Foreigners domicilcd in both
countries, large number Of warhiIs
were on the South American coast, and
the metropolis Of BRAZIL was gay with
uniforms and tho constant festivities
consequent upon the presence VI ~
many strangers
Tho days Of duoling wcro past The
larger courtesy consequent upon boiter
education, and q more careful regard
for personal rights, had practically CON
dcinned u, and the naval and military
regulations Of all nations threatened No
we're penalties for isa exercise.
Tho night was calm. dark and starloss,
and tho Martingale lay listlessly at hcr
anchors OF tho plaza landing
The officer Of the deck loungod over
tho capstan and thought OF home and
longcd Tor his interesting watch 10 10
over. Tho band had ceased its evening
concert and had been dismissed. Tho
charming strains Of this old tiino tattoo"
with fifes and drums had died away.
1.-TWO hollis" had been struck. and tho
bontswain and bis mates had "pipod
down" Light, had boon reported out,
aud a perfect stiffness succeeded the stir
made BY 40 men. who had retired to
their hammooka.
Boat alsoyi' sang out tho quarter
master. Boat coming alongside. sir;
can't make out tho answer" Tho mos
songor boy with lantern flow over the
gangway and down tho ladder. and soon
brisk, dappcr little man came ON board
and presented himself to the officer OF
tho deck with q graceful salute.
Sir saad he, permit me TO intro
ducc myrcif am Baron Knookon, Of
tho Russian legation. and have had q
personal difficulty with q Brazilian gen.
ueman on shore. am going to shoot
him In tho morning. We have no Rus
sian ship In port, aud relying upon tho
friendship that exists between our ma
tion and the United States, I have como
ON board To ask ono Of your officers TO
act M my second Ia Major Randall on
boardY'
Tho officer Of the deck woke up In an
Instant Here was acme mischief out OF
tho common line, and no could scent
some fun In tho air that would relieve
the todium OF his watch with u ven
gcance.
Grasping the baron by tho hand hc
shook II warmly. delivered u brief ad-
dress 10 him reciprocating his friendly
sentiments. and assured him that he
had como TO the right place and at tho
right time to get accommodated. I'm
fortunately the gallant major Of marines
was on shore. but might return at any
moment Something must bo done TO
keep the baron amused for tho present,
10 the officer Of tho deck sang out:
Orderly. ask the captain II can 500
him."
Captain Tompion had eaten an ex-
cellent dinner. Tho better part OF three
bottles Of claret had disappeared down
his throat, and he was at peace with all
tho world. He belonged to the fighting
men OF tho "old navy" and any hint OF
fight was music 10 his ears, To him
appeared the officer Of tho deck, W
tho little baron In tow.
"Sir," said he. II have great pleasure
In introducing TO you Baron Knockof,
Of the Russian diplomatic service. He
has had personal difficulty with Bra.
lillian on shore, and as there are no Rus
sian officers here he has come on board
TO ask ono Of ours 10 act M his second
! have assured him Of our sympathy and
assistance, and be desires to consult with
you and await the return Of Major Ran.
dali, who Is on shore"
Captain Tompion was on fire In an In.
slant. Shaking the baron warmly 10y
the hand, b. sang out; Steward, a bot.
tie Of champagne. Baron, DO seated
Orderly, call tho first lieutenant and tell
him that | wish to SEQ him. Going TO
shoot him In the morning, Ell, baronl
Bless my soul, this seems like old times,
indeed! stand by your OF course, we
will, my boy. Have another glass Of
wine. Steward, cigars"
Lieutenant Lawrence, the first lieu
tenant, came Mp tho hatch-tall, stern,
erect US n soldier-aud passed into the
cabin. The popping of corks onsued
aud the conference began.
Tho officer of the deck caught stray
messnate and sent him to the wardroom
with the story, and soon an interested
group gathered on the quarter deck,
eagerly awaiting developments.
"Such punishment as court martial
may adiudge may be inflicted Oh any