Year: 1876

MaJor bu1OrQ, cAl1eQ DY the way Ot eminence, "The Major," was one of the most noted duelists of the day. A dead shot, perfect master of fence, and in his enmities utterly relentless, his name had become terror to all who knew him.

 In the midst of knot of admiring friends, one day, the major was discuss ing his last "affair, and complacently explaining how it came that he mortally wounded his adversary, instead of kill ing him on the spot, when one of two men advanced and struck him in the face. The spectators stood aghast. What could have tempted the stranger to rush thus madly on his faSe9 He was an old man. Already, to appearance, had threescore and ten years passed over his head. He must, indeed, have been weary of life, whose brief remnant he was ready to cast away so recklessly.

 The mai was astonished. The very audacity of the act struck him with amazement.

 "Is this provocation sufficient, or must repeat it, inquired his assailant.

 The majors first impulse was to re- turn blow for blow. But, fierce and vii olent as were his passions, he schooled himself to complete mastery over them, and moments reflection told him how bootless, under the circumstances would be public brawl. The indignity he had received would admit of but one reparation, and that he determined to lose no time in seeking.

 ''The insult is sufficient, he answered, with forced calmness. "Oblige me by naming friend"

 And the two strangers took their leave together.

 At sunrise on the following morning the principals and their seconds made their appearance on the ground select ed. No one else was present-not sur geon. The major, in his own past expe- rience, never had needed one, and his opponent, it was plain, was careless of the consequences.

 There was no necessity of delay. The preliminaries had been settled. The parties were to fight with pistols at ten paces, the combat to continue until one or both had fallen.

 One condition had been insisted on by the stranger which called an indig- nant blush to the majors cheek, as it seemed to imply an imputation upon his honor, though he submitted with the

 

 placing the combatants the bodies of both should be inspected to see that no secret protective device was employed by either.

 The ground was measured and the men placed. There was @ marked con- trast between the two in more respects than that of years. The old man, erect and motionless as statue, his whitened locks floating in the breeze, never once looked at his antagonist, though his side was turned. His face was stern and determined, but nothing malignant in it. The major, on the other hand, glared tiercely at his foe-seemed even to grudge him the few moments of life vet eked out to him.

 Were he my own father would kill him" he answered audibly to some whispered approximation of his second, who was evidently touched by the old mans venerable appearance. The pistols were put into tho hands of the principals and tho giving of the word explained.

 "Gentlemen, are you ready2"

 "Ready," both answered.

 Still tho old man moved not, nor did he direct a single glance at his adver- sary. His eyes were fixed in front. His attitude was one of rapt attention. He seemed like one listening intently.

 "Fire p'

 Without changing the direction of his gaze or other movement than that of his arm, which arose with tho precision of q nicely adjusted machine, the old man brought his pistol to the level of his enemy's breast. For an instant he held 1t there. Still the same appearance of eager listening.

 The major was in no hurry. He could afford to take bis time with a man who held his pistol at random, without look Ing wltherward. He was determined to make sure work. If his ball missed his adversary's heart, even fraction of an inch, he would never make any preten- tions to kill again.

 The sharp report of the strangers pistol was followed by convulsive jerk of the majors arm, causing the dis charge of his weapon far wide of his mark, while he, staggering few paces backward, fell heavily to the ground.

 "Conduct me to him." said the man to his friend.

 The latter took his principals arm, and led him to tho prostrate form of the of the major, whose second, kneeling by his side, had torn open his garments, exposing to view the fatal wound in his breast, made by the strangers bullet.

 Is your friend seriously hurt ?" in- quired the latter, coolly.

 You can see for yourself, sir," the second answered.

 There you're in error," replied the other. 1T am totally blind!"

 The wounded man, who by this time