Arizona republican., 1892-03-06
THE MAJORS DUEL.

The flagship Martingale, of the South Atlantic squadron, was moored in the beautiful harbor of Rio Janeiro The flag of Rear Admiral Sansompost flew from the nizzen truck. The war be- tween Brazil and Paraguay was pro gressing slowly, but as it affected many interests of foreigners domiciled in both countries, a 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 denned it, and the naval and military regulations of all nations threatened se- we're penalties for its exercise. .
 The night was calm dark and starless, and the Martingale lay listlessly 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 rains of the old time tattoo" with flies ald ,rums had died away. Two bells lad been struck, and the boatswain and hIS mates had "piped 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; cant make out the answer" The mes senger boy with a lantern flew over the gangway and down the ladder, and soon a brisk, dapper little man came on board and presented himself to the officer of the deck with graceful salute
 Sir, sand he, permit me to intro duce myself am Baron Knockoff, of the Russian legation, and | have had personal difficulty with Brazilian gen 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 na- ton and the United States. have come on board tn ask one of your officers to act as my second Is Major Randall on boardE
 The officer of the deck woke up in an instant. Here was some mischief out of the cummnu line, and lac could scent sopie fun in the air that would relieve the tedlun of his watch with ven geance.
 Grasping the baron by the hand he shook 1t warmly, delivered brief ad- dress to hnn rr,iprUcating his friendly sentiments. and assured him that he mad come to the right place and at the right time Co get accommodated Un- fortunately the gallant major of marines was on shore, but might return at any moment Something must he done to keep the ,mrun amused for the present so the officer of ,,.r deck sang out:
 Orderly. ask lhe captain if 1 can sec him
 Captain Tmnpiun had eaten an ex- cellent dinner The better part of three bottles of Cia:rt 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 g fight w;l' music to his ears. To him appeared the officer of the deck with the liItle baruirin tow.
 Sir said he, Il have great pleasure in introducing to you Baron Knockoif, of the Russian diplomatic service. He has had personal difficulty with d Bra zilian OH 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 dall. who k on shore.
 Captain TOmpiOu was on fire in an in stant Shaking the baron warmly by the hand. he sang Oat: Steward, a bot. tie of champagne. Baron, be seated Orderly. call the first lieutenant and tell him that l wish to sec him Going to shoot him in the morning. eh, baron: Bless my soul, tins seems like old times indeel. Stand by youi Of course, we wlll my boy. Have another glass of wine. Steward. cigars.
 Lieutenant Lawrence, the first lieu tenant, came up the hatch--t tall, stern, erect as Il soldicr-and passed into the cabin The popping of cOrks ensued and the conference began.
 The officer of the deck caught stray nessmate 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 on any person in the navy who sends or accepts challenge to fight duel or acts as a second in duel.
 This ia the language of the articles of war winch were framed tO regulate the conduct of these gallant officers who were aiding and abetting the baron.
 The officer of the deck was summoned to the conference. During the continued use of champagne it was determined that It was 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.
 After being introduced to the baron and hearing the case, the captain in- formed the lieutenant that our honor was at stake and that he would have the high privilege of acting as the haron's