The morning call., 1892-02-12
A DUEL WITH SWORDS.
An Americans Startling Adventure In

An Americans Startling Adventure in
Mexico.
Inter Oceans Niles (MIch) Special
f. II. Finley, an old resident of this city,
has Just returned from visit to Mexico
suffering from sword thrust in the side,
received in duel with a Mexican officer
and the story he tells OF it is sensational in
the extreme.
On January IS Finley stood before the
historic castle of Chapultepec, and. I'M
strapping a small camera prepared to take
a "shot" at the rare old pile. He was
quietly adjusting his plates when three
young Mexican officers, in passing. made
some insulting remark. Finley replied in
kind, when the Mexican rushed at him with
drawn sword, but was prevented from do
ing violence by his companions. though
Finley succeeded IN Shaping him In the
face.
a challenge was Immediately presented
and accepted, Finley securing the services
OF a young Mexican officer as q second. The
seconds announced that the combat would
be with swords but, in consideration OF
Finley's ineXpeTlence, short blades Of thirty
inches would be used instead Of the long
tnirty-six inch blades, with which his oppo-
nent was familiar. Al dawn on the follow
ing morning two coaches left the center of
the Mexican capital and Iumbled through
the suburbs TO a silent and secluded grove.
The four men were accompanied by fifth,
who carried fiat case of surgical instru-
ments.
On the way into the wood Fmley's second
whispered his last Instructions: Strike for
your adYeIsary's face" he said; lit is his
weakest point. After lungng, spring back
quickly to avoid his blade. His returns are
rapid"
In a small open glade the party paused
The seconds assisted them to remove their
coats, waistcoats and collars. Then they
stood back.
" Gentlemen, en- gardeW exclaimed the
elder. The two men advanced, crossed their
points and threw up their left hands.
For few moments they seemed to feel
each other, and IN those moments Finley
felt that he was OVermatChed and that death
was before BIN. Suddenly the Mexican
made a lunge and Finley parted out Then
came another and another. The Mexican
advanced and retreated with the smoothness
and rapidity of snake. His weapon played
about the blade of his opponent like arOd of
fire. but Finley Tetreated and parted
mechanically. Suddenly he felt himself
wounded above the heart, but he WAS on a
backward spring, and the cut was very
slight. Again the feinting was resumed
followed by rapid lurges and retreats. The
shOrtness Of his sword was evidently an
embarrassment to the soldier. 1t had saved
the American a dozen death-thrustS already.
Finley remembered his seconds advice
and attacked the Mexican's face. lie in
fiicted one or two slight scratches. but his
wrist and arm, unaccust0med to sword play,
began to tire.
The soldier felt his advantage and pressed
him hard, lunge succeeding lunge with light
ming rapldity, Finley parred and retired,
and advanced again bravely, but after each
attack he grew weaker
At last, after a terrible onslaught, the
Mexican tented at Finey's face. and then
changed his point in direct line with his
heart, The American parted his thrust
but was only partly successful. The
sword plunged through his thigh near the
groin.
For a second the officer could not with