Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1902-05-03
DAILY SHORT STORY
Building Up a Newspaper
IOrigfnal.l

bly, quiet man, very gentlemanly and
polished in his manners. Born and bred
in Louisiana. he was Il typical creole.
He had served in the Confederate army
with distinction, but when he lay down
his sword he did so with good grace.
When knew him, he was about seven
ty-five years OF age and. though feeble.
managed TO hold himself erect. He re-
moved to the north not long before this.
when he was too old to adopt northern
customs.
There came to town one Edgar Linds-
ley. who settled himself to establish a
newspaper called The Spy. His idea OF
getting up circulation was in roofing
up skeletons supposed TO exist in peo-
pies closets or selecting some indefen-
sible person for attack. Casting about
for victim. he lighted on Major Du
Pont 4 series of so called funny ar
ticles was begun in the paper. the sub
ject Of which was an old man face
tiOusly called General Du Bridge.
whose southern idiosyncrasies were
held up TO ridiculc.
On the morning OF publication Of the
first article self constituted commit
tee of civil war veterans called at The
Spy office TO protest. They found the
editor lingering Il note from the major
demanding a published apology or sat
isfaction. The vets" urged the editor
to apologize. but he refused point
blank. and they retired for conference.
Lindsey, thinking that he could make
capital by sham duel with the major.
consented to meet him, intending that
his second, one of his employees, should
see that the weapons were loaded with
blank cartridges. Meanwhile the vet
Grams made up their minds TO go the
next day to Lindsey and give him the
choice between an apology and leaving
the town. That night l received a note
from the major asking me TO meet him
at the next morning in Il large field
Just outside the town.
Upon my arrival on the ground l
knew for the first time the object OF
my coming. | used every effort 10 paci-
fy the major ana shame Lindsey. but
without success. l begged the major
to permit me to take his place. but saw
that he felt aggrieved at the PROPOSE
ton. Then | was let into the secret of
the blank cartridges. This only added
to my dilemma. ] dared not tell my
principal that the affair was sham. /
concluded that il must go on and would
call Lindsey to account for il after
ward. Lindsey. who was the biggest
fool ever knew. still imbued with the
idea that he was laying the foundation
for n newspaper. was very clipper.
The principals were placed back to
back and instructed TO advance five
PAGES. then turn and fire one shot. the
shots to be thus continued till the re-
volvcrs were empticd. The major step
ped out with dignity. but with the in
trinity of age. Lindsey. unseen by his
opponent. with whom he was back to
back. grinned from ear TO ear. lifting
his legs very high and lowering them.
with his toes pointing to the ground. in
a farcical manner. The first shots had
been delivered. of course without effect.
and the principals were taking their
places for the second when the sound
of Il GallopinE horse was heard. and
man, refining up. threw himself TO the
ground. climbed n fence and hurried to-
ward us.
You young rascal" said the major.
"HOw did you know of this? Your
mother has informed you. Gentlemen.
permit me to present my sou. Captain
81 am pleased to meet you. gentle
men," said the man, handsome fell
low of thirty. "and / am delighted to
have arrived in the nick of time"
Going to- his father. he embrac ed
him, with emotion. Then, turning to
the party, he said:
"Now, gentlemen, let us proceed with
this affair. / represent my father.
who though he is as brave as ever. has
not the eycsight for n marksman."
The major vainly endeavOred to re-
tain the defense of his own honor. He
had dominated his son for many years.
but now their relative strength was
reversed. The young man put the old
er aside respectfully, but firmly.
"The weapons. conference.-the weap-
ons," said Captain Du Pont impatient-
~. Then, picking up one of the re-
volvers. he pointed it at the trunk OF
Il tree and pulled the trigger. There
was no sign of bullet hole. He fired
again. Still there was no scratch.
Emptying all the barrels, he threw
down the weapon.
Gentlemen" he said in no uncertain
tones. these pistols are not loaded
with ball cartridges"
All stood irresolute. Captain Du
Pont put his hand under his coat at his
hip and drew 4 revolver.
II have come 200 miles," he said, ito
fight this duel and am in no mood to be
disappointed"
l took him aside, explained the situa-
ton and begged him to accept of my
services. He consented, and l loaded
the pistols with ball cartridges. Idnds-
ley, though pale as ghost and trem-
bling in every limb. stood his ground
till his second was about to hand him
his weapon, when suddenly. without
warning, he turned and fed. The cap
tain, with terrific ire in his eye. fol-
lowed him. firing as he ran. till he was
Of Si.rlnt rClan