Wisconsin Tribune

A Quiet Man Disposing of an Insult

…Lord Mark Kerr who distinguished himself at the battle of Fontenoy. was a good but eccentric officer and a terrible duelist. His debut was remarkable. He was a lad of slight effeminate appearance. apparently void of spirit. His father, the Marquis of Lothian. when he brought him to London to join his regiment—the Cold-stream Guards—requested the Colonel, who was his particular friend to watch over him to see he submitted to no improper liberties. and to instruct him in the way he should go in case he had the misfortune to be insulted, Those were the days of hard drinking. "prodigious swearing," according to my Uncle Toby, and much brutality of manners This pacific young scion of nobility soon became a butt at mess, a stepping stone to hang their practical jokes on until a captain of a year’s standing actually threw a glass of wine in his face. He still said nothing. but wiped his face with his handkerchief. and took no further notice of the insult he had received

The Colonel thought it was high time to interfere. and invited him to breakfast tete a tete, on the following morning at nine o'clock Lord Mark arrived punctually. at his breakfast with perfect composure and spoke but little. At length the commanding officer broke ground—“Lord Mark” said he, .I must speak to you on rather a delicate subject, but as your father’s friend, am compelled to waive ceremony Captain L - yesterday morning publicly passed an affront on you which both your honor and the credit of the regiment require you to notice” ·What do you think sir. I ought to do? inquired Lord Mark” “Call on him for an explanation. rejoined the Colonel It is I fear too late for that.” replied the young ensign, “I shot him at eight this morning and if you will take the trouble to look out of the front window you will see him on a shutter!”

“ I'll take your part.” as the dog said when he robbed the cat of a portion of her dinner.