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Show 52 TALES OF THE COLORADO PIONEERS. had the choice of weapons, and chose double-barreled shot-guns, loaded with ounce balls; distance, thirty paces; time, afternoon of the next day. "The place selected was on the bank of the Platte river near Denver. " There was no secrecy, for there was no law against duelling, nor, for that matter, against any other form of murder, except that in the absence of statutes the inhabitants of the western border of the Great American Desert were 'a law unto themselves.' " The town was full of excitement over the impending duel. People conversed in whispers and exchanged glances full of meaning. Some said Bliss would not fight, that he was a Northern man and hadn't the nerve. Others said Dr. Stone was from Harper's Ferry, and would make Bliss fight or back squarely down. Others again averred that Bliss would fight, and was sure to hit his man; that he was rehearsing for the combat, and was a crack shot. He had at the 'word' shot the figure of a man at thirty paces distant full of holes, from the crown of the head to the knees, hitting the figure every time where he said he would. "And so the gossip, went on, until the opinion became general that Bliss' superior skill would brace him up for the conflict. " Not knowing the precise hour, I watched to see the crowd start, and then followed, thinking possibly I might stop the fight by reasoning with the parties on the ground. "When I reached the appointed place Dr. Stone had just arrived in his carriage, accompanied by his seconds and surgeon. Shortly after came Bliss, walking and carrying his shot-gun carelessly on his shoulder. He was |
