Later Intelligence.—The Duel.

Observer, Volume 2, Issue 32, 23 April 1881, Page 342

Later Intelligence.— The Duel.

On Thursday morning, four men, with murder in their hearts, might have been seen, just as the sun was rising,

wending their way silently to the rifle range. On arrival at the chosen spot the ground was measured off. and final preparations made. At the last moment, however, it was found that there was only one revolver to be had, though principals and seconds had been scouringthe town the evening previous to borrow what arms they could. The combatants were not, however, to bebaulked of their revenge, so it was agreed to toss for first fire. Fortune favoured Bob. F. called his second aside and told him he had written fond farewells to all his friends and, in case he fell, that they would be found on his table. He begged his second to forward them at once. The men were then placed. Bob got the pistol across his left fore-arm to steady his nerves (which, by the way, required all the steadying obtainable, Tommy's shake being a trifle compared with what Bob's was at that time). F. took one quick despairing glance around' at the beautiful landscape, crushed his helmet down over his eyes, folded his arms, murmured faintly " Beady," and prepared to die. Just then, his second stepped forward and said to Bob, " Mind if my man falls I take his place and have a shot at you." F. graspedl his friend's hand, and said, " Thanks, avenge my deathand I shall die happy." The signal was now given, Bob fired, the smoke cleared away, and it was seen no onewas hurt, 'Twas Fs turn now, and the revolver was handed to ihim. Bob turned his back, pulled up the collar of his coat and waited his doom. F. fired ! An old man who had ;been intently watching the proceedings from the top of the terrace about sixty yards above the level upon which the duel was being fought, was seen to drop a spade that he had in his hand and leave rather hurriedly. Bob found he was not killed, and faced round; the combatants looked at one another for a minute, stepped forward, shook hands, mutual apologies followed, and the four adjourned to Howett's for am eye-opener before breakfast. Thus honour was satisfied, and no blood spilt, though F. declares that if there had been two revolvers available, he would have winged his opponent. He had, however, no intention of killing: him.

— The honeymoon commenced on the 13th>, and " Alf and Annie " are happy. Bless 'em ! — The Doctor has put a cap on his eye-glass and started a Tain o' Shanter, so has Ned Hewetf s cook's assistant. — The gallant major is quite at liberty to shoot the owl who wrote the doggerel verses ahout the Peacock, but if he does there will be a greater (h)owl than before ! —Miss M. D. of Cambridge, has done such a good business in consequence of the Land Court; sittingso long that she will be able to furnish, sooner than she anticipated. Won't dear Jim be pleased. — Some one looked a decidedly " Dusty Grifffn" the other evening when he and his horse parted company so suddenly and he nieasnred his (clerical) length on the ground. We wonder how he liked kissin«mother earth so affectionately. ° — Just before our worthy little tailor and stationer (J. T. Camp) sold his business in Duke-street, to start a " pub " at Tamahere, a customer went into his shop and enquired for a book on Algebra, J. T. C. said he was sorry he was out of the work at the time'; the only book on foreign lamjuayes he had in stock was a Maori dictionary. — The respected Incumbent of the Anglican. Church at Cambridge deserves to be complimented on the efficiency of his choir. The chief credit is, we suppose, due to the talented organist. J. A. 8., who must have felt proud of the performances last Sunday week, more particularly at morning service. There was a large congregation, and the singing was truly wonderful ! Such harmony ! Such strict time had never been known before. The melodious tones of the gentlemen blended beautMly with the sweet warblings of the ladies, who sang out in a remarkably clear manner (?) Oh !it was yrand! and beat Exeter Hall into fits ! THE CONFESSION. An Auckland form I often see In Cambridge city street ; A portly form — with spectacles, It makes my poor heart beat. He sings at Church and then am I With admiration lost in, I listen, as if in a dream, And murmur, "Oh !my Austin ! ! "