AN IRISH DUELLIST.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 574, 23 March 1870, Page 3

AN IRISH DUELLIST.

Mr Patrick Power, of Daragle, was a fat, robust 'man, much, distinguished for his intemperance, and .generally! seen with a glowing . red face. He on one occasion fought; with a fire-eating companion named Bill, Brisco, When taking, aim, he said he still hada friendship f or him, and would show it;; so he only shot off his whisker and ; the top, of bis ear. ' V", When travelling in' Englsuid, Power had many encounters with persons '.who- were' attracted by his brogue and clumsy appearance. On one occasion, a group of gentlemenwere sitting in a box at one end of the room! when Ycve. entered the coffee^-rOOm. The representative of Irish manners at., this time on the English stage was a tissue of ignorance,' blunders, and absurdities ; and when a real Irishman appeared off the stage, he was always supposed to have the characteristics of his class, and so a fair butt for ridicule. When Power took his seat in the box, the waiter came to him 'with' a gold watch, with a gentleman's compli- ; ments, and a request to know what o'clock it was by it. Power took- the watch, and then directed the waiter to : let him know the person who sent- it.- He pointed but one of the -, -group!. Power rang the • bell for the; servant; and directed; him to. bring his pistols and follow him. fle put them under his arm,- 'and with thewatch'in his hand, walked up to the '• box, and presenting the watch,' , begged to know- to whom it* belonged. 'When! no one was willing to own it> he drew his! own silver. one. from: his fob, and presenting it to Ms servant; desired him to keep it; and putting up the gold one, he gave his ; name, and address, and assured the company he' would keep it safe till called, for. It was never claimed. . j On another occasion he ordered supper;and while- waiting for it he read: the newa-i Saper. 'After some time, the waiter'.laid : tWo ishes, on '.theYtable ; and 'when Power examined their contents, he found they.'weije two dishes of smoking, potatoes. He asked the waiter to whom he was indebted for such.good fare£ and. lie pointed td tW.p gentlemen in the opposite box' j Power' .desired liis servant to attend him,' and, directing him in: Irish what to do, quietly made his supper off the potatoes, to the great amusement of the Englishmen. Presently his servant appeared with two more covered dishes, one of which he laid down before his master, and the other before the persons in the opposite box; When the covers were removed, there was found in each a loaded pistol. Power took! up his and cocked it, telling one of tbe others to take up the second, assuring him " they

were at a very proper distance for a close shot, and if one fell, he was ready to give -satisfaction to the other.'? The parties immediately rushed out without waiting for a second invitation.