Idaho semi-weekly world., 1893-11-21
THE MAJORS DUEL.

The flagship Martingale. Of the South
tIantlc M,nairon, WAS mOOred III the
beautlfuI harbor of Rio Janeiro The
B,p of Rear Admiral Sansompost flew
rrou the niiz.en truck. The war be-
Tween Brazil and Paraguay was pro-
t,rpssing slowly. but as 1t affected many
6nterests of foreigners donliclled in both
Countries. "A large number of warships
were on the South American coast. and
the metropolis of Brazil was gay with
,n,f,r,us and the constant festivities
corscunent 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-
demneh it, and the naval and military
regulations of all nations threatened Sc
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 office o. ..lr deck lounged over
the cal,stan 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.
1.-TWO bells had been struck, and the
hoatswain and his mates had "piped
down" Lights had been reported out,
and Il perfect stiffness succeeded the stir
made by 400 men, who had retired to
their haminockS
Boat ahoy! sang ont the quarter
/ master Boat coming alongside, sir;
cant make ont the answer" The mes
senger boy with IL lantern flew 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 il graceful salute.
Sir" sad he. permit me to intro
duce myself am Baron knockoff, of
the Russian legation and | have had a
personal difficulty with Brazilian gen
teinan 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
tlon and the United States, | have come
on hoard to ask one of yollr officers to
act as my second. Is Major Randall on
board:
The officer of the deck woke mp in an
instant. Here was some mischief ont ct
the common line, and he could scent
some fun IN the air that would relieve
the tedium of his watch with ven
geance
tirasping the baron by the hand he
shook It warmly. delivered a brief adj
dress to hrm reciprvcating his friendly
sentiments. and assured him that he
mad come to the right place and at the
right time to get accommodated. I'm
fortunately the gallant major of marines
WAS on shore but might return at any
moment Something must be done tC
keep the baron amused for the present
80 the officer of the deck sang out
Orderly ask the captain if can see
him."
Captain Tompion had eaten an ex
cellrnt dinner. The better part of three
tmttleS of cIaret had disappeared dowr
his throat. and he was ut peace with al
the world He belonged to the fighting
men of the "old navy" and any hint o
fight was music to his ears To hin
appeared the officer of the deck, witt
the little baron in tow.
Sir said he, Il have great pleasure
IN Introducing to yon Baron knockoif
of the Russian diplomatic service. Iii
has had il personal difficulty with Bra
zlllau on shore. and us there are no Rus
sian officers here he has come on boar'
tn ask one Of ours to act us his second
have assured him of our sympathy ant
assistance, and he desires to consult witt
yon 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 b.
the hand, he sang out: Steward. bot
tie OF champagne. Baron, be seated
Orderly, call the first lieutenant and tel
HIM that | wish to see him Gong t
shoot him in the morning, eh, baron
Bless my soni, this seems like old times
indeed. Stand by You? OF course, W
Will. my boy. Have another glass c
Wine Steward. cigars"
Lieutenant Lawrence, the first llcr
tenant. came up the hatch-tall, sterI
erect as IL so,lier-and passed into tn
cabin The popping of corks ensuet
and the conference began
The officer of the deck caught stra
messnlate and sent him to the wardrool
with the story, and soon an intereste
group gathered on the quarter decl
eagerly awaiting developments.
"Snch punishment rs a court marti'
Eiay adiudge may be inflicted on an
person III the navy who sends or accep
a challenge to fight duel or acts as
second in duel"
This is the language of the articles {
war which We're framed TO regulate I'd
conduct of these gallant officers VIII
were aiding and abetting the baron
The officer of the deck was sulnmone
totheconference, During the continue
use of champagne it was determined thu
Ii was solemn moral duty to stand u
the baron. and another bottle was opened
Selll the missing major came not. I'm
was passing. Something must be dom
so Lieutenant McKillen was sent for.
After being introduced to the baro
anu hearing the case, the captain II
formed the lieutenant that our honor WI
At stake and that he would have Il
liSh privilege Of acting as the barop