Idaho semi-weekly world., 1893-11-21
second, when. just At ihIs iuncture. Ma.

a
1or Randall came on board,
With n flower in his buttophole. his
coat thrown back from his ample chest
humming 4 popular mir from the Grand
Duchess" and apparently at peace with
all the world, the gallant feet 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 tn he
the last person in the world to assist in a
duel.
Upon him pounced the officer of the
| deck
Major, said he. prepare your mind
Tor something very serious. You will
require all your fortitude for painful
and trying duty; one that you must per-
form for the honor and credit Of the flag
and OF the uniform you wear" and before
the astonished soldier could utter word
the deck officer rushed him into the
cabin.
'Oh. major. you are just in time. You
nave Just come very near to losing a
chance to distinguish yourself in seri-
ous matter. Have a glass of wine."
So spoke Captain TMnpion. while the
baron shook him effusively by the nand.
The matter in question was explained
to the mayor. while the captain and the
first lieutenant impressed upon him his
duty in the case. 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.
Ii he mentally beheld vision of CORY
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 a court
martial. he gave no sign of his feelings
On the contrary like one waking from
a sleep. he suddenly exclaimed, Baron
| will act for you in this case with much
pleasure. am quite at your service,
and after each had shaken him solemnly
by the hand. they all took drink.
| 1t was getting late. The major, saying
nothing to any one. carefully arrayet
himself in his best uniform coat. and ac
companied the baron on shore.
The next morning an intense but quie
excitement pervaded the after part of thu
ship. In low voices the officers discussed
the matter in all its bearings. Had thu
duel come off and the major secrete(
himself until he could evade the authori
ties on shore and escape to the ship? Hal
the combatants gone long distance int,
the country and not yet returned? Sucl
queries were discussed pro and con, ant
still no major came. Breakfast passed
Quarters. and no major. Lunch, and h
!. was still absent. Every boat was scanne,
for sight of his stalwart form an,
genial face. At last it was resolved l.
send delegation ON shore to look hin
up. when, just as they were about t
start, Il boat came alongside, and tn
, major stepped on deck
His countenance was solemn, almos
, stolid in it's expression. His coat wa
: buttoned up awry and was unbrushed
His usually resplendent shoes were un
polished. but drawing his form to il
+ full height he saluted the ofhcer OF tn
deck IN military manner ana dellbel
ately sald' sir. nave returned ABOARD.
+ Making a half face to the left he pr(
ceeded to the hatch anu carefully wer
a below
His expectant messmates were in til
q wardroom in force to hear the new
n Whether he was the bearer OF tragi
, words or whether OF cheerful ones wa
the question. The hero seated himse
n at the table. and all gathered around.
r After a moment OF silence the maJt
spoke as follows: "lfany OF you fellow
q want to fight duel, call on me to u,
!. for you can do it right every time.
"How was it. malor!'
a "How did it come out?'
"What did you do!'
v Such questions came in fast. III
. major pulled himself together, callt
n for "a glass of water and said. "Sit dow
pantla,uan and | will tell Won all abOl