The semi-weekly messenger. [volume] (Wilmington, N.C.) 1897-1908, 1905-01-03
A ROYAL ENCOUNTER
TERRIFIC BATTLE BETWEEN
DUKE HENRY AND KING.
Ball Fight Almost to the Death-Cap-
tain Barclay Saved Only by Killing
One of the Infatuated Animals-A
Days Pleasure Spoiled.
CBy Andrew J. Howell, Jr.)

CBy Andrew J. Howell, Jr.}
Sir Frederick was the British Consul
many years ago. He was a royal good
fellow. and represented his government
with loyalty and distinction. His people
he represented in those ~propensities for
certain pastimes tina have generally
characterized an E~nglishman.
In fact, in the parlance Of today, he
would be called "a sport" Yet he was
a sport who wore his decorum and
sense of personal pride as assiduously
as he wore his neat suit Of broadcloth
n his side whiskers Of royaLcut. A
prince Of good companions, indeed-full
of anecdote, story and social graces.
The boys all knew him; the men court
ID him; the sports revered him.
His passions were fleet horses and
blooded bull dogs. OF the former he
owned a notable specimen. OF the lat
ter, he was master Of a brace Of aris-
terrier Of Essex stock. He was the pet
fond of his master, and ever eager to
display the good breeding and pugnac-
ious qualities which marked his race.
The other was a British bull dog OF an
Gent lineage-the pride of Sir Frederick
TO him he would have entrusted the
commercial interests of England, know
ing that victory woul not fail him If
the animal fought for their protection.
There was always a serious care
which weighed upon Sir Frederick's
mind. It was almost impossible to find
anywhere dogs against whom he might
pit his own proud beasts. He scorned
to consider any of Indifferent courage
or inferior strength. Therefore, when a
worthy antagonist was to be found, the
affairs of his consular office deferred to
the higher demands of a royal dog
fight.
One day Sir Frederick received a
pressing invitation to appear at the
home of captain Barclay, a gentleman
residing in the country, with his friends
and dogs. An eventful day was promis-
ed, and Sir Frederick thrilled inwardly
with delight. Feeling the Importance
of the OCCASION, he laid the matter be-
fore a coterie of his chosen friends.
The invitation was duly accepted; and
the messenger SO informed.
The day arrived, but the fight did
NOT occur; although the party reached
their destination in full preparation for
the great encounter. Another conflict
unexpectedly arose, which even to the
gallant Sir Frederick proved a worthy
substitute.
They were seated upon Captain Bar
clay's spacious piazza, a merry compa-
ny of kindred spirits. Suddenly a ser
want rushed up and called out that a
bull had gotten into the field, and was
making towards the pasture where
Captain Barclays own bull was graz
ing. He was a nobleman of a noble
family of cattle, proud, stately, fierce
by name Duke Henry. The visitor was
King, a lordly animal Of much local
repute.
Following Captain Barclay, the COM
pany all went around the house. The
situation was easily discerned.
The Captain rushed through the pas
tyre gate, and endeavored to drive his
own animal into the barnyard. The
ba1l at first moved quietly forward;
but soon the approaching King uttered
a deep note of defiance, which reverber-
atCu ike d ulSldul Cdl1OIl - IOdI- DuhC
Henry wheeled suddenly, n signalled
an acceptance of the challenge.
Two of the visiting gentlemen went
forward, and assisted in the effort to
drive the now refractory Duke Henry;
but he was too obstinate. He rushed
between them, snorting and V for
the fray.
It came; and the clash was with the
highest display Of brutal fury. Duke
Henry was quick and demonstrative.
King approached slowly with a calm
air of conscious power, but with gleam-
ing, fiery eyes. Duke Henry, with head
ben low an believing madly, thanked
his enemy and gored him.
King was Infatuated by the stroke,
and seemed to become electrified with
new energy. He expressed his anger in
a low, heavy, terrible note.
The spectators stood transf1xed by the
spectacle, livid with interest.
AS the battle suddenly reached the
furious juncture, the Captain exclaimed
with excitement, Gentlemen, I must
save my ANIMAL He darted for the
barn and returned at once with a rope.
Sir Frederick seized it, and sprang to-
wards the fighting animals. Remon-
stance was UNDECIDED. His spirit was
aroused and his purpose fixed. His
friends could only stand and watch: al
though for him there seemed to be ven
chances between life and death.
The animals had locked horns. But
King in a few minutes withdrew a lit
tie; then made an onslaught, striking
his enemy's forehead with a blow which
made them both stagger. Duke Henry
seemed dazed and unsteady. King,
however, prepared to attack again,
this time at his enemy's side.
Sir Frederick was now beside him.
He looped the rope, and throwing it
over the horns of the maddened King,
pulled him away from his stand. The
animal threw down his head and shook
off the rope then looked at him. mutter-
ed a suppressed threat and again made
ready to attack his adversary. He rails
ed his right foot. AS quick as a flash
Ss. JHra1arial- innono1 fpru-orl c1;nna5