nce in three times with the intonation of a four-pounder.

"Hang the difference," says the Adjutant; "it will do."

"Must do," the second replies; and so paying for the tool, and
swallowing down a fresh invoice of _ardiente_, the fighting men start to
muster up their opponents, whom they found armed and equipped, upon a
footing equal to the other side, or pretty near it, the Lieutenant
having a little _heavier_ piece, with a bore into which a gill measure
might be thrown.

"But--the difference!" cried seconds and principals.

"Let's fight, not talk," says the Adjutant.

"That's my opinion, gentlemen, exactly," the Lieutenant responds.

"Where shall we go?"

"Anywhere!"

"Better get out into the chaparral," say the cautious seconds; "don't
want a crowd. Come on!" continue the seconds, very valorously; "let's
fight!"

"Here's the ground!" cries one, as the parties reach a chaparral, a mile
or so from town; "here is our ground!"

The principals stared around as if rather uncertain about that, for the
bushes were so thick and high that precious little _ground_ was visible.

"It ain't worth while, gentlemen, to toss up for positions, is it?" says
the Adjutant's second.

"No," cry both principals. "Measure off the _ground_, if you can find
it; let us go to work."

"That's the talk!" says the Adjutant's second.

"Measure off thirty paces," the Lieutenant's second responds.

"No, ten!" cry the principals.

"Twenty paces or no fight!" insists the Adjutant's second. "Twenty
paces; one, two, three----"

And the seconds trod off as best they could the distance, the pieces
were loaded, the several bipeds took a drink all around from an ample
jug of the R. G. they brought for the purpose, and then began the
memorable duel. The principals were placed in their respective
positions, to rake down each other; and from a safer point of the
compass the seconds gave the word.

"Bang-g-g!" went the Adjutant's piece, knocking him down flat as a
hoe-cake.

"F-f-f-izzy!" and the Lieutenant's piece hung fire.

The seconds flew to their men; a parley took place upon a "question"
whether the Lieutenant had a _right_ to prime and fire again, or not.
The Adjutant being set upon his pins; declared himself ready and willing
to let the Lieutenant blaze away! The point was finally settled by
loading up the Adjutant's piece, and priming that of the Lieutenant,
placing the men, and giving the word,

"One, two, three!"

"Wang-g