Los Angeles herald., 1892-02-19
THE MAJORS DUEL.

THE MAJORS DUEL.
The hagship Martingale, of the South
Atlantic squadron, was moored in the
beautiful harbor of Rio Janeiro. The
flag Of Rear Admiral Sansompost few
from the mixzen truck. The war be-
tween Brazil and Paraguay was pro-
crossing slowly, but as it affected many
interests of foreigners domiciled in both
countries, q large number Of warships
were ON the South American coast, and
the metropolis of Brazil was gay with
uniforms and the constant festivities
consequent upon the presence of so
many strangers.
The days Of dueling were past. The
larger courtesy consequent upon better
education, and more careful regard
for personal rights, had practically con-
demned 1t, and the naval and military
regulations Of all nations threatened Sc
pere penalties for its exercise.
The night was calm, dark and starless,
and the Martingale lay istlessly at her
anchors off the plaza landing.
The officer of the deck lounged over
the capstan and thought of home and
longed for his interesting watch to be
over. The band had ceased its evening
concert and had been dismissed. The
charming strains of the old time ''tattoo"
with flies and drums had died away.
'sTwo bells' had been struck, and the
boatswain and his mates had sspiped
down" Lights had been reported out,
and perfect stiffness succeeded the stir
made by 400 men, who had retired to
their hammocks.
"Boat ahoyr' sang out the quarter
master. BOAT coming alongside, sir;
can't make out the answer" The mes
senger boy with lantern few over the
gangway and down the ladder, and soon
brisk, dapper little man came ON board
and presented himself to the officer Of
the deck with graceful salute.
ssSir," said he, permit me to intro
duce myself. I am Baron Knockof, Of
the Russian legation, and have had q
personal difficulty with Brazilian gem
tleman on shore. am going to shoot
him in the morning. We have no Rus
sian ship in port, and relying upon the
friendship that exists between our ma
ton and the United States, I have come
on board to ask one of your officers to
act as my second. Is Major Randall on
boardr
The officer Of the deck woke up in an
Instant Here was some mischief out Of
the common line, and he could scent
some fun in the air that would relieve
the tedium of his watch with ven
geance.
Grasping the baron by the hand he
shook it warmly, delivered brief ad-
dress to him reciprocating his friendly
sentiments, and assured him that he
had come to the right place and at the
right time to get accommodated. Un-
fortunately the gallant major of marines
was on shore, but might return at any
moment. Something must be done to
keep the baron amused for the present,
DO the officer of the deck sang out:
Orderly. ask the captain if can see
him.
Captain Tompion had eaten an ex-
cellent dinner. The better part of three
bottles Of claret had disappeared down
his throat, and he was at peace with all
the world. He belonged to the fighting
men Of the "old navy" and any hint Of
fight was music to his ears. To him
appeared the officer Of the deck, with
the 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 one of ours to act as his second.
have assured him Of our sympathy and
assistance, and he 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
stant. Shaking the baron warmly by
the hand, he sang out: Steward, bot
tie Of champagne. Baron, be seated.
Orderly, call the first lieutenant and tell
him that wish to see him. Going to
shoot him in the morning, eh, baron?
Bless my soul, this seems like old times,
indeed! Stand by you? OF course, we
will, my boy. Have another glass Of
wine. Steward, cigars"
Lieutenant Lawrence, the first lieu
tenant, came up the hatch--tall, stern,
erect as soldier-and passed into the
cabin. The popping of corks ensued,
and the conference began.
The officer of the deck caught stray
messmate and sent him to the wardroom
with the story, and soon an interested
group gathered on the quarter deck.
eagerly awaiting developments.
.sSuch punishment as a court martial
may adjudge may be inflicted on any
person in the navy who sends or accepts
challenge to fight duel or acts as q
second in o duel"
This Is the language Of the articles Of
war which were framed to regulate the
conduct Of these gallant officers who
were aiding and abetting the oaron.
The officer Of the deck was summoned
to otheconference. During the continued
use Of champagne it was determined that
II was solemn moral duty to stand by
the baron, and another bottle was opened
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