The L'Anse sentinel. (L'Anse, L.S., Mich.) 18??-current, 1892-03-05

SAA- Sn-ChaS- gained an
hnenviable notoricty in his own and
the neighboring counties as a success
full duelist. Not only was he known
to make the most trivial dispute
pretext for challenge. but it was
even reported that on more than one
occasion he purposely provoked n
quarrel. The meeting in nearly every
instance, ended disastrously for his
opponent.
He had the reputation of being an
unerring shot. Coolly and collected
ly he stepped to his place, took
steady aim, and almost invariably
brought down his man." 1t will
therefore be readily conceived that he
was dreaded and Stunned by his
neighbors. He was II bachelor and
lived alone in a large country man
sion.
At that time there happened to be
line regiment stationed in the neigh
boring town of Galway. Capt. Fen
ton was on terms OF intimacy with
some of the officers, and, though lar
from being n general fnvorite, it not
infrequently occurred that he dined
at the mess on guest nights. But
whenever he was present an air of re-
straint pervaded the assembly. The
dinner was sure to he spiritless If
fair, and always lacked the tone of
good fellowship which usually char
acterizes such entertainments.
This may in measure be account
ed for by the TACT that the Captain
was morose, naughty disposition.
His conversation generally displayed
a bitter sarcasm. Moreover, all
present were aware of his fame as u
duellist. This knowledge rendered
them more cautious in speech. lest
chance word or expression should
afford him sufficient grounds for
picking n quarrel.
About six months after it's arrival
in Galway the regiment was joined
by a junior subnltern. He was II
mere lad, being still in his teens yet,
by all accounts, he was n fine, soldier
ly young fellow. He gave every
promise of making n splendid officer,
and q few weeks sufficed to establish
him rs favorite.
But, alas, only short time elaps-
ed before he had the misfortune to
fall foul of Capt. Fenton. Though /
have heard the story from those who
dwslt in the neighborhood, and who
were fully acquainted with every de-
toll, yet / have never been able to
ascertain the exact cause of the dis
agreement. However, certain it is
that challenge was given and nc
cepted. The affair wat kept rs BE-
cret as possible, and ut the appoint
ed timc the meeting took place in
the corner of meadow about half u
mile from the barracks.
1t was n bright spring morning.
The peaceful aspect of nature formed
q terrible contrast. to the bloody
business which had brought those
fine men so early to this lonely spot.
Not much time was lost in prepare
tions. The combatants were placed,
the pistols were loaded, and the Sec
onds retired. The young officer stood
with tho, full front OF his, body pre-
eented to his opponent. He was u
novice in such affairs, poor boyl 1t
is even said that at the precise mo-
ment OF firing he involuntarily closed
his eyes. II such was the case he
never opened them again in this
worldl His adversary's ball passed
right through his heart.
The surgcon ran forward and rnised
the fallen youth. A hasty examinn-
tion showed him that he held IA corpse
in his arms. While he was thus ell
gagged, Capt. Fenton was occupied in
q very different manner. He was
carelessly cutting q notch on the
stock ofhis pistol. There, were seven
other marks of a similar description,
and each one represented victim to
vf,ish that weapon had dealt death.
., ttretcher was fetched from the
barracks and the corpse was convey
ed ,hither without delay. The affair
would doubtless have caused n pro-