Rensselaer Republican, Volume 19, Number 30, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 31 March 1887 — CODE OF HONOR. [ARTICLE]

CODE OF HONOR.

PABT I. We were quartered on ihe Rio Grande (he year following the close of hostilities in 1865. The daily routine of nn officer in the army ia not unknown. Drills in s fhe morning, dinner at the mesa or in seme eating-house, and cards and punch in the evening, constitute the day's work. Thero was no society at San Anlonio, rior were there any marriageable girls; we used to meet in each other’s rooms, where only men in uniform were to be seen. One civilian, however, * aß admitted within our circle. He might have reached the age of 35, and we therefore looked upon him as being greaily our senior in years. His large experience secured him a certaiu amount of de.erence, and his usual moioneness, his stern and sarcastic disposition, exercised a powerful influence over our youthful imaginations. His career seemed shrouded in mystery. Though bearing a name that did not sound Mexican. he was apparently a Mexican. He hadjt-erved his time in the cavalry of the Republic, and had been fortunate to be Sromoted to the command of the First [exicau Cavalry, the flower of the Mexican army; none of us Knew the rca-ou why he had retired from the service end taken up his abode iu the wretched town .that Sau Antonio was at the close of the rebellion, where he lived peuuiiously, and yet extravagantly; he invariably went out on foot, and was always seen in a military coat the worse for wear, but at the same time he kept open house for alt the officers of our regiment. To tell the truth, two or three dishes, cooked bv a negro woman, constituted his dinner, but, on the other hand champagne flowed at his table. His circumstances and his income were unknown, and none of us presumed to ask any questions about either. His only books wero works connected with the military service, nnd some novels which he willingly lent, never asking to have them returned, but neither did he give back Ihose which he had borrowed. His chief pastime consisted in pistol pr.xcticy. The xvalls of his apartment were well riddled and perforated like a honey comb. A valuable collection of pistols formed the only luxury of his humble habitation. The degree of perfection he had attained in this art was unconceivable, and had he required to shoot an apple on any one’s head, not one' of oitr fellows would have hesitated to offer himself. Our conversation often touched on the subject of dueling. Baptise (as»l shall call him) never joined in it; and when asked whether ho had ever had occasion to fight, Would answer dryly that he had; but he entered upon no details, and it was evident that these and similar questions xvere distasteful to him. AYe concluded that the recollection of soiqe unfortunate victim to this dreadful accomplishment troubled his-conscienee, the idea of cowardice never even' suggesting itself. There are people whose exterior alone suffices to disarm such suspicious. An unexpected occurrence disconcerted us all.

Some ten of ns were one day dining with Baptise. We drank as usual, that i 6, excessively. and after dinner we endeavored to prevail upon our host to be banker in a game. For some time be persisted in declining, for he seldom played, but at length he ordered the cards to be brought, threw SSO on the table, and commenced to deal. We all took our places and the game began. Baptise vvast wont to keep the strictest silence upon such occasions, never discussing or explaining anything. If the punter chanced to make a mistake, he either paid up the balance immediately, or noted the surplus. We were already aware of this, and therefore never interfered. But of our number was one young officer who hud lately joined. He took part in the game, and in a fit of absence bent down one too many. Baptise continued dealing, then took up the chalk and rectified the score, as was his custom. The officer thinking he was mistaken, began to explain matters. Baptise went on dealing. The officer lo>ing patience, rubbed out what to him appeared unnecessary. Baptise taking up the chalk, again luarKeil the score: The officer, excited with wine, and by the game and the laughter of his comrades, imagined himself cruelly offended, and in his passion, he lifted a metal candlestick off the, table, and threw it at Baptise, who had hardly time to evade the blow. We felt confused. Baptise rose, and with fire in his eyes, said: “Please to walk out, sir. and thank your stars that this happened under my roof.” We did not doubt the consequences; and we looked upon our new comrade as a dead man. He walked out. declaring himself -ready to answer for the affroflt in such' manner as Baptise might elect. The game was continued for a few moments longer, but feeling how little our host's thoughts were in it, we left, oue by one, and repaired to, our quarters, discussing the possibility of a speedy vacancy. . »

V hen we met on the following day, we immediately inquired of each other if the new Lieutenant was still alive. When he himself appeared, we greeted him, putting the same question. He replied that he had heard nothing of Baptise Vet. This surErised us. We went to Baptise, end found im in the yard, sending bullet after bnllet into an ace of cards which he had fixed 5 to the gate. He received ns as usual, and did not allude to the event of the preceding evening. Three days elapsed and the ortU eer stall lived. We asked in astonishment: “Can it be possible that Baptise will not fight?" Baptise did not fight; a very slight explanation satisfied him, and peace was restored. — ——- -—■ —•• *== Sueh condnet might have injured him excessively in the estimation of yonth. The want of pluck is what young men excuse least, for they generally consider it* the highest of human virtues, one that covers a multitude of sins. . However, little by little all was forgotten, and Baptise regained his former influence. I, alone, could not become reconciled to him. Being naturally of a romantic turn of mind I had, more than anybody, attached myself to the man whose very existence was an enigma, and who appeared to me to be the hero of some mysterious event. He liked me, at least it "was with me alone that he laid aside his usual cutting, ill natured observations, and that he conversed upon various subjects with perfect good rnunre and rare pleasantness. But I could' not, subsequently to that unfortunate evening, rid myself of the idea that his honor had been* tarnished, and tliat it was

his own doing 1 hat the stain had not boen removed. - This thought prevented me feeling tow ard him as I had hitherto done, and 1 felt ashamed to look at him. Baptise was far too clever and too shrewd not to notice this and dtime the cause. . He appeared hurt, and I fancied that 1 hail* more thati* once detected n wish on his part to come to au under*)ending with me, nut 1 avoided the opportunity, and Baptise withdrew. Thereafter I only met him in the presence of my comrades, ahd our former intnmacy came to an end. People hnve no conception of the many excitements so familiar to those who do. garrison duty; for example, the looking out for the mail, such times our regimental office was crowded with officers, some expecting remittances, some letters, and some newspaper*. Letters and parcels were opened on the spot, news communicated, and the office presented an animated appearance. Baplise’s letters were addressed under cover to our regiment, and .he was therefore usually present. Upon one of these occasions a letter was handed him, the seal of which he broke with the greatest impatience. His eyes brightened up ns he perused it. The officers were themselves too much engaged to notice anything. - “Gentlemen,” said Baptise, “circumstances require mo to leave Without delay, I go this night, nnd hope you will not refuse to dine with me for the last time. I expect you, also,” lie continued, turning to me; “I expect you without fail.” AYilh these words he hastened ont, and xve shortly dispersed, having agreed to meet, at Baptist's. I arrived at the appointed hour and found nearly the whole of my brother of- ] fleers. Baptist's movables were all packed, I and little remained but the bare and battered walls. \Ve sut down to dinner; our host was in high spirits, and his cheerfulness was soon participated in; the corks ; flew incessantly, our glasses frothed and i sparkled unceasingly, and we wished the traveler with all possible sincerity godspeed, and every bl< sHug. It was already late xvben wo rose. While the guests were getting ready, 'Baptise, bidding evt-rx one good-by, took me by the hambund detained me jtist as I was on the point of -leaving. “I must speak to you,” said he, in a low voice. I remained. The gnests had left; being alone, we sat j opposite to each other, and silently began ito smoke our pipes. Baptise was- c.are- ■ worn; and there was no longer any traces iof his affected cheerfulness. The pallor of his somber face, his sparkling eyes, and the dense smoke issuing from his month gave him a truly demoniacal look. Several minutes passed away, and Baptise broke tlie silence. “\Y e may, perhaps, never meet again,”HeS said. “I wish to have an explanation with you before wc part. You must have noticed how little I value the opinion of the world; but I like you, and 1 feel that it would prey upon me were T to leave an unjust impression respecting myself on your mind?” He stopped and began to refill his emptied pipe; I rShinined silent with lowered eyes. - “You thought it strange,” he continued, "flint I 'did not demand satisfaction from that tipsy fool of a Lieutenant. You will doubtless owu that the right to choose weapons being mine,his life was in my hands my owu being almost beyond the reach of danger. I might ascribe this forbearance* to pure generosity, but I will not deceive you. Had it been iu my power (o punish him without risking my own life iu the least degvee I xvould by no means let him off.” yzt:

I looked nt Baptise in surprise, and was completely taken back by such a confession. Baptise went on: “That’s just it. I have no right to imperil mj' life. I received a box on the ear six years ago, aud my enemy still lives." Mv curiosity xvas thoroughly" awakened. “You did not fight him?” I asked, “Circumstances probably parted you?” “I did light him, and here is the memorial -of" OUrtlttel.” ■■■' Baptise rose and took out of a hat box au officer’s cap of tho Mexican cavalry, ornamented with a gold tassel and braid; he put it on; it had a hole about an inch from its edge. “You know,” continued Baptise, “that I was conin.auder of the First Mexican cavalry regiment. My disposition is known to you. lam accustomed to take the lead, but in my early days it xvas a passion. At that time practical jokes xx-ere in. fashion, and I xvas the greatest scamp in the whole army. AA’e prided ourselves on our drinking powers. I outdid them alt. I rings took place constantly in our regiment. I took pnrt in all of them, either as a witness or as a principal. My comrades idolized me, and the regiment commanders (this xvas before my promotion' l , who were constantly changing, looked upon me as an unavoidable evil. “I was thus quietly—that is, turbnlently —enjoying my popularity, when there joined us a wealthy youth, a member of ft well-known Mexican family—l do n'ot wish to mention napjes. Never in mv life have I met such a favored child of fortune. lipagine to yourself youth, talent, good looks, the most exuberant cheerfulness, the most undaunted courage, a highsounding name, xvealth to .which he knew no bounds, nnd you will form some idea of the impression his presence produced among us. My pre-eminence, received a .pheck. Dazzled by my reputation, be j xvould have sought my friendship, but I i received him coldly, aud ho turned from me without any show of regret. I began to hate him. His success in our regiment I aud in the society of ladies threw me into complete despior. I sought opportunities for a quarrel,,hui my epigrams xvere answered by epigrams, which alxvavs seemed to me more unexpected and more stineihg than my Own; they were, of course, im--1 measurably more lively. He was facetious; I was vicious. At last, upon the occasion

of a ball giveu by a Mexican gentleman, seeing IKU he was the object o: attention of all the ladies, and especially of the hostess herself, who was an ally of mine, I whispered to him some grossly rude remark. He warmed up. and gave me a box on the far. We flaw to our swords. The ladies'fainted; we were separated,! but that same night we drove off (o fight a duel. “The day was breaking. I stood at the appointed-spot, attended by my three seconds. I awaited with inexpressible impatience the arrival of my opponent. The snn had already risen, and its rays were gathering ln*at. 1 observed him in the distance. He was on foot, in uniform, wearing his sword, and .accompanied by one second. We walked on to meet him. He approached, holding in his hand his cap, which was full of cherries. Our seconds proceeded to measure twelve paces. I was to hare fired first, but my rage was so great that I could not rely upon the steadiness of my hand, and to gain time I concluded to grie him the first shot. My opponent would not consent to this.' It was decided that we draw lot 6; he, with his usual good luck, won the toss. He aimed, and his ball went through my cap. It was now my turn. His kte was in my hands at lust. 1 looked eagerly at him." trying to detect even a shadoy of uneasiness. He stood covered ty my pistol, selecting the ripest cherries out of his cap and spitting out 1 the stones, w hich nearly reached me as they fell. His coolness exasperated me. What is the use, , thought I, of depriving him of his l.fe, when he values it so little? A wicked

thought flitted Across my mind. I dropped the mSpKgfr “ ’Yon are not thinking of death now,’ snid 1. ‘lfott pVefer to enjoy, your bic*t- . fast; I do not wish to disturb you.’ “‘You do fc not disturb me in the least,’ replied he, * lease to fire aw ay. But,'by the wav. that is just ns yon please: your tire remains with you. lam always i§ady i and nit your service!’ “t turned to the seconds, declining I did not intend to proceed at present, and thus our meeting ended. “I quitted the service nnd retired to this place. But not a day has since passed witbont a thought of vengeance. No* ray time has come.” Baptise drew out of his pocket the letter he had that morning received, and handed | it. to me. Somebody—probably the person entrusted with the care of his business matters—wrote word to him from the City of Mexico that a certain individual was soon about to be united in lawful wedlock to a young nnd beantiful girl. “You guess," said Baptise, “who is meant by this certain individual. Igo to Mexico. AVe sbull see whether he will meet death as coolly on the eve of his marriage as he once aAvaited it nt his meal of cherries?” Baptise rose nt these words, threw his cap upon the floor, and paced the room to and fro like a tiger in bis cage; IJmd ltS-~ lened to him iu silence; strange nnd conflicting feelings had taken possession of me. The servant walked in, and reported the horses ready. Baptise pressed my hand warmly. He took his place- in a carriage, wherein lay two boxes, one containing his pistols, the other his necessaries. AVe hade each other good-by once more, and the horses were off. - - - - . - PABT 11. Several years had elapsed, nnd my affairs being such, I concluded tp make a visit ro Mexico ou pleasure bent. Though now occupying my time ns a staid and steady newspaper man, I cOuld not help silently sighing after my former rackety and restless existence. I loiind it so difficult to get accustomed to spend the long days in such complete seml-seclasion. But it was not much better after I got to the poverty-stricken little Mexican'vilhige in one of tho northern provinces. By chatting with the Mayor, or wandering aromid the outskirts, 1 managed somehow to drag the day through up to the dinner hour; 1 literally knew not what to do with myself nt dusk. I had read the limited number of books which I had found on the bookshelves until 1 knew them by heart. All the stories which the housekeeper knew had been told me over and over again. I grew weary of listening to the peasant xvomeu’s songs, and anight have had recourse to the national Mexican drink pulque, but it was fatal to Americans—made my head ache, and I confess that I feared I might become a drunkard from a feeling of wretchedness, that is to say the most wretched of drunkards-.. I found no one that I could chum or neighbor with, if Ixtxeept two or three of these wretched fellows, whose conversation consisted chiefly of hiccoughs and sighs. Solitude was more endurable. At last I decided upon going to bed as early as -possible, and upon dining as late ps possible; in this way I contrived to shorten the evenings and add length to the days, which I spent in useful occupations. Four miles from the village lay a very valuable estate, belongiug to a prominent Mexican gentleman, an ex-General of the army; it was occupied by the overseer only., The owner had visited it but once, and that in the first year of liis marriage, when he and his bride stayed over a month. Rumors were - now current that they were coming to spend tho winter there. They really did arrive at about the beginning of December. The appearance of a well-to-do neighbor is an important event to lpslics. Landlords and tenants speak of it for two months previously, and for three-years subsequently. I confess that, so far as I was concerned, the presence of a young and beautiful neighbor seemed amatterof considerable importance to me. I burned With impatience to see her, and betook myself therefore after dinner, the first Sunday subsequently to their arrival, to pay my respects. A footman showed me into the gentleman’s library, and -went to announce me. The spacious apartment was furnished with the greatest possible luxury ; the walls were lined xvith bookcases, each of which was surmounted by the Mexicau coat-oDarms: over the miirblo mantel was placed a large mirror; the floor was covered with erint'on cloth and spread xvith carpets. Having lost all habits of luxury by my profession, and having long since ceased to be familiar with the effects produced by the riches of others, 1 bec.uue timid, and awaited the gentleman with a certain trepidation. The doors opened, and a handsome man of about thirty-seven came in~ He approached me with frankness and friendliness. 1 endeavored to muster courage and to explain the object of my call, but he anticipated me. AYe sat down. His easy _ and agreeable conversation soon dispelled my awkward shyness. I had alreadvre-sumc'd-.-Hty usual manner, when suddenly his wife entered, ahd my perturbation became greater than before. She was beautiful indeed. He introduced me; I xvished j to seem to be at my ease, but the more I tried the more awkward did I feel. My new acquaintances wishing to give me time to recover, nnd to feel myself at home, conversed together, dispensing xvith all etiquette, thus treating me like an old friend. I had risen |rom my seat in the meanwhile, and was pacing the room inspecting the books and pictures. lam no judge of paintings, but. one there xvas that especially attracted my attention. It represented a landscape jn Mexico; but I was struck, hot by the Beauty of the artist’s touch, but because it was perforated by two bullets, ono hole being just above the other.

“This is a good shot." said I. turning to the gentleinnii. “Yes,” said he, “a remarkable shot. Do you shoot well?” he went on. "Pretty well,” I replied, overjoyed that the-conversation had turned- upon a subject of interest. “I mean I could not miss a card at thirty paces, of course, when I know the pistols. “Indeed,” said the lady, with a look of great attention. “And you, my dear, could yon hit a card at thirty pade6?” “Some day,” answered the genllemtui, “we shall try. I was not a bad shot in my time, but it is now four years since I held a pistol.", “Oh!”remarked I. “That being the case, I do not mind betting that you will not be able to lnt a card at twenty paces even: pistol shooting requires daily practice. - I kuow this by experience. When I was in the army I was considered one of the beet shots in the regiment. It so happened once that I had not touched a pistol for a whole month; my own were undergoing repair, and, will yon believe it, when I took to shooting again, I missed a bottle four successive times at twenty paces? My Captnin, aeharp. amusing fellow, happened to be present, cried ont: —. “I say, my boy, you cannot lift your hand against the bottle, eh?” i. “No, sir, it is a practice that ought not to be neglected, if one does not wish to become rusty at it. The bed shot I ever to comej across practiced every day, and would lire at least three times before dinner. This was as much a rule with him. as was his gloss of brandy.” * 1

The General and his wife appeared pleased at m v having become 1 atkatnre. * J v “And’ what kind-of a shot was he?" asked ' the General. A . “Of that sort,, General, that if he happened to see u fly on the wall —yoflkart smiling, lady. But-"it is true, indeed—when he chunced to see a fly, he would cull out to his leivant. ‘my pistols?’ The Servant brings him a loaded pistol. Bang! and there is the ilv, flattened to the wall!” . “That-was wonderful." said the Gt«eral. “AVhat xvas bis name?” “.Jeau Baptise N’apagoun.” “Nnpngoun!" exclaimed he, jumping up; “you knew nim?” “Knew him? Of course. General. AVe were friends; he was considered by the regimeut as being quite one of ourselves; but it is now seven years since I heard nDylliing of him. You appear also to have known him?” “I knew him—knew him very well. Did he ever relate a very strange occurrence to you?” . “You cannot possibly mean a box on tho ear, which some young scamp gave him at n ball?" “And did be name that scamp to you?” “No, General, he did not; continued I, the truth beginning to dawn upon me, “I beg your pardon—l was not aware can it be yourself?” “I, myself,” answered the General, with au exceedingly perturbed countenance, “and'tlie perlorated picture is the reminiscence of our last meeting.” “Oh! pray, dear,” said the General’s beautiful wife, “do not 6peak of it. I dread hearing tho story.” “No,” replied he, “I shall relate the whole of it. He knows how I offended his friend; let him now also know how Baptise took his revenge.” The G, serai bade me be seated, and I listened xvith the lix eliest interest and curiosity to the following recital; "I was married seveu yenis ngo. The first month, the honeymoon, was spent in thi- bouse. It is to Ibis house thati am indebted for the happiest, as also one of the saddest moments of my life. “AVe wine out riding one evening; my wife’s horse became unmanageable, she got frightened, gave m 3 her bridle, and set out homewnrd on foot. I saw on entering the staide yard a carriage of American make. and was informed that a gentleman, who Had refused to give his name,* S 3 had simply said that he had some important business to-transnet, was waiting me in my library. I entered this room, and in the twilight saw a man covered with dust and wearing a Tong~TTeard. He was standing by the mantel. I approached him, trying to call to mind his features. “ ‘You do not recognize me, sir,’ said he in a trembling voice. “ ‘Baptise!’ exclaimed I, and I confess I felt my hair stand on end. “ ‘Yes it is I,’ lie continued. ‘The shot remains to me; I have corue to discharge my pistol; are you ready?’ “The pistol protruded out of his side pocket. I measured twelve paces, and stood there in that corner, begging him to fire quickly, before my wife returned. He hesitated, he asked for lights. They were brought in. I shut the door, gave orders that no one should come in. and again begged him to tire. He took out his pistol, and proceeded to take aim—l-xvas counting the seconds—l thought of her —one dreadful minute passed! Baptise let his. arm drop.

“ ‘I regret,’ said he, ‘that my pistol is,not loaded with' .cherry stones; the bullet is heavy. This appears to me not a duel, but murdej;. I am not accustomed to aim ■at nn unarmed man; let ns begin anew; let' us draw lots who'is to have the first fire.’ “My head swajn; I suppose I was not consenting. At last another pistol was loaded, two bits of paper were rolled up; he placed them in tire cap I had once shot through; I again drew the winning number. “ ‘You are devilish lucky,’ said he with an ironical smile I can never forget. Ido not understand what possessed me, and by what means he forced me to do it—but I fired—and hit that picture there,” ’The General pointed to the perforated picture; his face was crimson; his wife Ttad become whiter than her handkerchief; I could not suppress an exclamation. “1 fired,” the General went on; “and thank God, missed. Then Baptise—he looked really dreadful at that moment— Baptise aimed at me. Suddenly the doors opened, Nana, my wife, rushed in, and with a scream, threw herself on my neck. Her presence restored to me all my courage. “ ‘Darling,’ said I, ‘don t you see that we are joking?' How frightful you are! Go get a glass of water and come hack to us; I shall introduce an old friend and comrade to you.’ [ “Nana still doubted. “‘Tell me, is what my husband says true?’ said to-Bapt-isci hs it'trae that you are both in fun?’ “‘He is always in fun, Madam,! ” replied Baptise. ‘Once upon a time he gave me a box on the ear in fun; iu fun be shot this cap; in fun he just now missed me; now I have a Fancy to be in fun also.’ “So saying, lie was about to take aim—before her! Nana threw herself at his feet. —— “‘Get up, Nana, forshanie!'l exclaimed, enraged; ‘and you, sir, will you cease jeering at a poor woman? Are you, or are you not going to fire?’ “T am not going to,’ answered Baptise. ‘I am content. I have seen your hesitation, your timidity. I made you tire at me. iam satisfied. You will remember me. I leave you to your conscience.’ “He was about to Jake his departure,'hut stopping in the doorway, be looked at the perforated picture, fired his pistol at it most without aiming, and disappeared. My wife had fainted; the servants dared not stop him, and looked at him with terror; he walked out, called his carriage and drove off before I had even time to recover myself.” The General concluded. Thus did I learn the eudiug of a story which had so interested me from the commencement. I did not again meet Colonel Jean Baptise, Napagonn. It was said that at the time of one of , the semi-annual Mexican revolutions, lie commanded a detachment of cavalry, and was killed in a fight with the regular Government troops, and wus buried in the mountains.