The central record. (Lancaster, Ky.) 18??-current, 1922-08-31

they removed their coats and grasped
their swords Kempci tossed aside
a cigar he had beer smoking and
measured his antagonist with a rapid
and disdainful glance. The second,
drew back. The combatants. both
intrepid actors in a dramatic situation
bris,ling with danger. now stepped
briskly toward each other with up
lifted swords and Thompson exelaim.
ed In accents that bore a world OF
contempt. "On guard sir"
Kemper's answer was 90 cross his
sword quickly. but only for the brief.
est instant. with that u his antagon.
ist and the combat commenced with
astounding fury.
Thompson. maintaining a terrific
onset. compelled kemper 10 fem, and
to shift his position with much fire.
qucncy in order to defend himself.
but he lost no ground. Early in the
combat n terrible thrust Of Thomp-
sons blade ripped thru Kemper's YES,
just under his right arm. grazing the
skin. but drawing no blood !, was
perhaps Thompson's excessive haste
10 avenge as quickly as possible the
mortal insult that stir ranked in his
bosom that caused him TO commit
certain faults againSt the accepted
rules Of dueling. Al any rate. Kemp
i cr. although holly engaged every in
slant, noted these faults and watched
closely for any advantage which he
might be able for this reason to turn
to his own profit. This opportunity
vas soon presented.
Thompson. eXaspe -aied and APP
parently resolved 20 force decision
at once. suddenly made murder
Gus lunge. which wa brilliantly par
RED; but in recovering his balance
he permitted his sword 20 make a
wide departure from the line. where
upon kemper drove his rapier like
fash Of fire beneath his adversary's
guard and plunged TIE weapon thru
Thompson's right thigh. This mas
terstroke, executed with incredible
swiftness and dexterity, pierced the
large artery on the inside Of the leg
and terminated the combat. for
Thompson. groaring with pain. stag
gered backward and dropped his
sword. As Kemper disengaged his
blade from the wound. Thompson's
friends rushed 10 hiS side and pre-
vented him from falling 10 the
ground. A frightful hemorrhage Of
arterial blood suddenly spurted over
the injured mans clothing. Pale as
death and tortured with cruel pain.
he yielded himself unreservedly to
the gentle care Of these whose arms
were now supporting him.
II was a dramatic moment Kemp
er's friends had crowded eagerly
about him to press his hand and fell
citate him ON the issue Of the battle.
"Gentlemen, said he putting on his
coat and hat. II canho, withhold my
admiration for a man Of courage.
My opponent has just given me the
most uncomfortable quarter Of an
hour Of my life" Each now took
swig Of brandy from flask which was
passed around and NJ once withdrew
10 waiting carriages. A few min
utes later they drove hurriedly from
the field. leaving the wounded man
lying on the ground IN swoon. with
his physician and the other members
Of his party bending over him and
ministering 10 his needs.
For some time considerable excite
ment prevailed Throughout; this part
Of the state because 90 this audacious
exploit. many Of IN, citizens sym
pathizing with Thompson. And there
was also some talk a taking legal
proceedings against those concerned.
but nothing ever came Of il. Mean
time kemper kept urier cover, soon
afterwards leaving the state for New
Orleans, where he located permanent
~.
u was believed at first that Thomp-
son was fatally injured, but he recov-
cred finally and removed TO Cincin-
natl, where he died some thirty years
ago, having reached the age Of sew
enty three years The grandfather
Of Mr.. J, W. ElmoTe. who is now
cashier of the Garrsrd Bank and
Trust CO., Of this city, participated
in this duel as one 81 Thompson's
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