Yorkville enquirer. [volume] (Yorkville, S.C.) 1855-2006, 1903-08-25
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DISRAELrs CHALLENGE.
How He Disposed Of Two Men whit
Wanted to Fiqht Him.

rdeu was kIlOWU dS youilS iHoH VI
considerable literary promise, and later
events justified certain unruff1ed self
confidence, which, while 1t amused
many occasionally irritated some, to
their own discontinue.
When travelling abroad he visited
Malta, and stayed there for some time.
Well provided with letters Of intro
duction, he made many friends, and
his very brilliant social gifts rendered
him welcome guest everywhere. The
officers in particular pressed him to re-
gard himself as permanently attached
to them during his stay, and before
long he was on intimate terms with
them all. One Of them, Capt. A.,
vouched to the writer for the absolute
truth Of the following incidents, in
which, as will be seen, he himself
played a part:
At ball Mr.. Disraeli observed with
approving favor a young lady Of con-
spicuous beauty, and he resolved to
dance the next dance with her. Her
hand was at the moment resting on the
arm of young Maltese and the dance
was about to begin, when Mr.. Disraeli
hurriedly sought and obtained an in
PRODUCTION and instantly proffered him
self, with profound respect, as her part
ner. She bowed and smiled and in
dicating the gentleman by her side re-
gretted that she was already engaged.
THAT does not in the least matter"
was Mr.. Disraelrs only comment, as
with superb nonchalence he transferred
the lady's hand to his own arm and
danced with her.
Next morning he called on Capt. A.;
the Maltese, 1t appeared, was furious,
and thirsted for blood. He had sent
Mr.. Disraeli a challenge and the object
of this early visit was to secure Capt.
AS services as a military friend. Hav-
ing heard what had taken place, he
said:
MY dear fellow, am afraid you are
In the wrong. Would it not be best
to-
mo, No." was the light hearted in
terruption. "If I had wanted advice
should have gone to a lawyer. I have
come to you knowing could rely on
you to act for me. Vestigia nulla ret
rorsum. Things have gone too far
Look at this!" and he tossed across the
table the letter he had received. Capt.
AS face fell, for it was in unmistaka-
BILE challenge, couched in the formula
Of the day:
Whereas Mr.. Disraeli has permitted
himself to behave with scant courtesy
to a lady in a public place and in q
manner which Mr.. B. can only regard
as grossly insulting to himself Mr.. B
looks on Mr.. Disraeli as no gentleman"
That was all, but 1t was enough
Such words left no room for explana-
ton or apology, and could be followed
only by a meeting, as a duel was In
those days euphemistically called
Capt. A. shook his head and said:
well after that, Of course, you'll
have to meet him. I suppose you want
me to go to him at once and arrange
the time and place with his second?"
Mr.. Disraeli nodded and answered:
"At once, If you please But the stern
words had a curious ring in them, and
as Capt. A. looked up he saw the 9TH
er's face relax into a smile Of infinite
amusement.
I'm affairs of this kind" he added
1T Is a point of honor to lose no time.
So I have already written my answer
which you will oblige me by taking to
this desperate person"
And he handed it to Capt. A. The
latter took it, muttering: Its a null
sance, but it can't be helped" and he
was on his way to the door when Mr.
Disraeli said: "Oh, by the way just to
prevent any possibility Of misunder-
standing, 1t would be as we'll to read
my letter before taking it." Thereupon
Capt. A., opened it and read this amaz-
ing productions:
Whereas Mr. B. alleges that Mr. Dis
raeli has permitted himself to behave
with scant courtesy to lady In pub
lie place and in a manner which Mr.
B. can only regard as grossly insulting
to himself, Mr.. Disraeli looks upon
Mr.. B. as a hippopotamus."
Capt. A. was thunderstruck and re-
mained speechless with astonishment
while Mr.. Disraeli continued to smile
upon him blandly. Such smile was
infectious, irresistible. and second
later the two frineds were roaring with
laughter. When at last Capt. A. had
recovered his breath he gasped out:
Capital joke! Very funny!" Then
with a look Of horror: But, I say, you
don't expect me to be such born jack
ass as to take that letter to your man.
do you?"
II waive the jackass, born or un-
born," was the suave reply: but you
will do me a real service If you will
take it, and indeed, you led me to be-
lieve that might count on you."
Yes, but
Pardon me, there is no but In this
matter. That Is my only answer, the
only possible answer. You will take It,
won't you?" Then Capt. A. had an
idea and he said:
Very we'll, 1 will take, but only on
the condition that you come with me
and wait for me at the door while
present it,
This was agreed to and they set of
together. Mr.. B. was, as he was bound
to be. at home waiting. Mr.. Disraeli
strolled up and down outside, while
Capt. A. was ushered into the presence
Both bowed.
Sir, I have come to you as Mr.. Dis
raeli's friend"