Arizona republican., 1892-03-06

Wltn HOWef m ms DuttOnnOle, ms coat thrown back from his ample chest, humming 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 great care not to break them. he seemed to De 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 a painful and trying duty; one that you must per form for the honor and credit of tho flag and of the uniform you wear" and before the astonished soldier could utter a word the deck officer rushed him into the cabin.
 "Oh, major, you are just in time. You have just come very near to losing q chance to distinguish yourself in seri- ous matter Have glass of wine."
 So spoke Captain Tompion, while the baron shook him etfusively 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 ease. Lieutenant McKillen, who was now out of the fight. took great pleasure in helping the major with friendly advice, while the steward opened another bottle of champagne.
 What passed through the pacific mind of the soldier no one knew at that time. If he mentally beheld vision of a gory field of battle, with one or possibly both combatants stretched upon the grass wounded or dead, if he thought of his own arrest and trial before 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. 1 am quite at your service, and after each had shaken him solemnly by the hand, they all took drink,
 It was getting late. The major, saying himself in his best uniform coat. and ac- 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 in all its hearings Had the lnal .,H anI hn ,l himself until he could evade the authori- ties on shore and escape to the ship? Had the combatants gone long distance into tho 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 sight of his stalwart form and genial face. At last it was resolved to send a 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 countCnancc was solemn, almost stolid in its expression. His coat was buttoned mp awry and was unbrushed His usually resplendcHt shoes were un- 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 ." Making half face to the left he pro ceeded to the hatch and carefully went below
 His expectant messmates were in the wardroom in force Co 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 d moment of silence the major spoke as follows: "lfany of you fellows want to fight duel, call on me 70 act for you 1 can do it right every time"
 'How was it, major?'
 How did it come outy"
 What did you doy''
 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."
 Classmates, 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 convivialty, and that of the strangest kind. hereby renew my offer to act as 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.
 ''l need not tell you. gentlemen, that when started ashore last night with the baron l could not see my way out of what promised to be very serious scrape. After reaching the baron's room, over bottle of champagne, he gave mo his case. It seems that at a ball the pre- vious evening the Brazilian gentleman spoken of by the baron had given him of- fense by something that he had said. and the baron was determined to demand satisfaction. He was ready to fight at daylight with either sword or pistol. at once demanded that my principal should put himself unresorvedly into my hands, and be governed by any ar rangoments that should make. For tunately knew the Brazilian we'll, and as the baron insisted on haste in the matter, proceeded at once on my lnis- sion, although it was after midnight.
 "l assumed severe expression of countenance, and summoned the Brazil ian to conference from his bed. He received mo Very courteously, but ex- pressed some surprise at so late call.