knowing that his
opponent was remarkable for bravery and success as a duellist, refused
to make any concession. They accordingly took their grounds, resolved to
abide the event.

Having been placed, the seconds, previous to their agreement as to the
signal to be given, withdrew a little, so as to be completely out of
hearing. While discussing this point, a circumstance occurred worthy of
notice, and, we must say, the high-minded courage which it manifested
ought to have restrained Lord Cumber, as a man of honor, from turning a
pistol against Hartley on the occasion. Both were standing, as we have
said, awaiting the signal to fire, when Hartley said:--

"My Lord Cumber a word with you."

"It is too late, Mr. Hartley," replied that nobleman; "I am on my
ground."

"It is not an apology, my Lord," replied the other smiling; "but really,
as a man of honor, I cannot fight you as we stand at present: we are not
upon equal terms."

"Speak to your second, sir," said his opponent.

"You perceive he happens to be engaged just now," rejoined Hartley;
"but, in fact, the communication can as well be made to your lordship; I
have just observed, my Lord, that the bullet of your pistol has dropped
out, and I believe, if you will take the trouble to look upon the
ground, you will see it at your feet; your second, I presume, has forgot
to put in wadding."

"Mr. Hartley," replied Lord Cumber, "I always believed you to be a
gentleman, and a man of bravery; I feel it now, and whatever the event
of this meeting may be, I shall render you ample justice. I thank you,
sir, for that act of true courage and honor." At length the bullet was
restored to its place, and the seconds drew aside to give the signal,
which was letting fall a white handkerchief, when each was immediately
to fire.

How short a span there is between life and eternity! There they stood,
both in high health and strength, full of the world, and the world's
spirit, and yet in how brief a space was one of them to appear before
the judgment-seat of God!

At length the signal was given, the handkerchief fell, two shots were
heard, one instantly following the other. Hartley having fired, dropped
his pistol hand by his side, whilst Lord Cumber raised his left hand
to his breast, or rather was in the act of raising it, when he fell,
gathered up his knees to his chin, and immediately stretching out
his limbs at full length, was a corpse: thus dying as he did, in the
mainte