POISON THEIR WEAPON.

New Zealand Graphic, Volume XIV, Issue VII, 16 February 1895, Page 150

POISON THEIR WEAPON.

A DESPERATE DUEL WHICH CAME OFF IN ARIZONA. • I was once the master of ceremonies at the most sensational duel ever fought,’ said L. R. Frenison. •In fact, bad I not been present I could not have believed that it could take place in the way it did. I was in Tombstone, A. T., when a young Englishman, who was prospecting through the country, quarrelled with a high spirited Frenchman. I have now forgotten in what way the trouble arose, but that night I was sitting in the Englishman's room when he received a challenge from the offended party. As coolly as if accepting an invitation to dinner, he said, “ Tell your principal that I believe him to be a coward. If he it not, be will not object to my method of settling this affafr. As the challenged party I have the right to choose my weapons. I choose a deck of cards, a game of seven up and a dose of strychnine, the loser to kill himself in the presence of the others; the time, to-night at midnight.” The Frenchman was game and appeared at the appointed time with his second. We could not interfere, and the game was started, a white powder lying on the table. It was for seven points, and each dealt with as much composure as though it was a mere friendly pattime. At first the Englishman led, and had five points when his antagonist had but two. Three points for the latter made them even and the Frenchman’s deal. The Englishman begged and was given one, and then showed the Jack and four for high low with an excellent running hand had the cards been run’ The Frenchman showed the queen and tray, and without a word the Englishman swallowed the poison. It was more than any of us could stand. Even the Frenchman relented, and all if us went to work to save the man’s life, with the assistance of a doctor who boarded in the house. Fortunately an overdose had been taken, and in a few days he was out of bed, but looking very pale from the ordeal through which he had passed. The two duellists afterwards became good friends, and were partners in the cattle business up to a few months ago.’