DUEL BETWEEN BOYS.

Evening Star, Issue 3509, 22 May 1874, Page 3

DUEL BETWEEN BOYS.

Among the latest social curiosities has been a duel with toy pistols between two boys. These lads were boarders in a school near Lincoln. They quarrelled, and in order to settle their differences agreed to fight a duel. Taking advantage of an hour in the day allowed for recreation, they, accomP iu ied by their seconds, started for a secluded spot, purchasing at a toyshop on their route two pistols, for which they gave Is. Amirmnition was also purchased of a gunsmith. Arriving on the ground, one of the seconds loaded one pistol, while another boy performed a like office for the other combatant. Both pistols were loaded with ball. The distance agreed upon (thirteen paces) was then measured, and the antagonists placed in position. Stepping back a few yards, the second slowly counted three, the boys taking deliberate aim at each other during the time. On pronouncing the word “ Three,” a handkerchief was dropped, and both duellists •fired together. <3ne of them immediately cried out *■ I’m hit,” staggered a few paces, and then lay down. The now frightened youngsters ran to his assistance, and found that he had received a wound in the leg, and that his weapon had burst. They tied up his limb with their handkerchiefs and assisted him home. The affair gradually became known, and the wounded boy was immediately placed in the doctor’s hands. Meanwhile the police were informed of the circumstances, and apprehended the other lad and both the seconds. In the trial which quickly followed, it came out that this was not the first duel fought in the school, and it was pleaded that the lads thought the balls would “hit but not hurt.'* The culprit was reprimanded, but acquitted.