ched one blank. They then carefully
conveyed them to Vernon's state-room, and placed them on the trunk
precisely as they had found them.

As had been premised, the Chalmetta arrived at Natchez about daylight.
Vernon, well acquainted with all its localities, led the parties of the
duel to a retired place in the vicinity. The distance was measured off,
and the principals took the stations assigned them.

"Now be careful they do not see you do it," said Vernon, in a low,
careless tone.

The pistols were handed to the principals, the signal was given, and
both fired nearly at the same instant.

"Confound it!" exclaimed Maxwell, dropping his pistol, and grasping the
left arm, which had been hit by Henry's ball. "How does this happen?"

But Vernon was as much confounded by this unexpected result of the duel
as his principal. He had only time to protest that he had prepared the
pistols as agreed upon, when Major Brunn arrived at the spot.

On examining the wounded man, it was found that the ball had struck the
fleshy part of the arm. The injury was very trifling. Maxwell was much
astonished at receiving a ball from his opponent's pistol,--a
circumstance which was owing entirely to Hatchie's precaution on the
previous night. He had overheard the plan by which Maxwell was to fire a
ball at Henry, with no danger of receiving one in return. Vernon had
loaded the pair without ball, and the single pistol with two balls.
Henry was to select from the pair; the third was to be concealed upon
the person of Maxwell, who was to use it instead of the blank. Major
Brunn, supposing Vernon to be a man of honor, had not insisted upon
examining the charge in presence of both seconds, and thus everything
had worked to the satisfaction of the confederates up to the time of the
firing. By Hatchie's precaution, Henry held one of the two which were
loaded with ball, while Maxwell had fired the blank.

Maxwell was, as may be supposed, vexed and disconcerted at the result
of the duel; and, with an ill grace, he resolved to postpone his revenge
to another time, inasmuch as he could not hope again to shoot at his foe
in perfect safety.

The party returned to the steamer just in season for her departure.
Maxwell's wound was examined by the surgeon, and pronounced very slight.
Henry was rejoiced at this intelligence, for the cold-blooded thoughts
which had found a place in his heart had departed, and his naturally
kind disposition resumed its swa