Ole Devil at San Jacinto (Old Devil Hardin Western Book 4) by J.T. Edson

members of the medical profession in Louisiana, had
never encouraged him to adopt the generally accepted sentiments
regarding the worthiness of the ‘code duello’. In fact, both publicly as well as in
private, Doctor Charles Alphonse Dumoulin had never referred to the
participants in trivial so-called ‘affairs of honour’ with anything
but disparaging terms.
    Bored with waiting to commence
his medical education, Dumoulin had persuaded his parents to let
him accompany his Uncle Jules and friends to Texas. Wondering if
his father’s
views on dueling had affected his courage, he waited for an opportunity
to prove himself. Like the rest of the New Orleans’ Wildcats’
younger officers, he found the situation vastly different to what
he had expected. Instead of being dispatched immediately to engage
the enemy, the Wildcats were informed that instead of a battle they
would accompany the Republic of Texas’s Army in its withdrawal.
Disappointment and boredom had had an adverse effect upon the
hot-headed young bloods who had come in search of adventure. Now
they were beginning to wax critical of the Texians. Nor had their
mood been improved by learning that Colonel James Walker Fannin’s
command had been massacred at Goliad and that, in spite of their
offers of action, General Houston had refused to permit any
punitive expeditions.
    To do Dumoulin justice, he had
never subscribed to some of his companions’
sugge stions
that Lieutenant Paul Dimmock’s survival indicated a lack of
courage. However, without realizing what was happening, he found
himself becoming involved in the issue.
    Shortly after Colonel Dumoulin
had spoken to his officers about the incident at the Grand Hotel, declaring
his disapproval and warning that the matter must not be taken any
further, the youngster had been invited by Jaloux and Pierre-Quint
to accompany them for a drink. As there had been nothing else for
him to do, the preparations for moving out being left in the hands
of the regiment’s colored servants, he had accepted.
    On arriving at the hotel, it had
soon become apparent to the youngster that his companions did not
intend to respect their commanding officer’s wishes. What was more,
as their injuries prevented them from competing with a man who had
such a high reputation as a handler of weapons, Dumoulin found that
they expected him to avenge what they had described as an affront
to the honor of their regiment. Although he had hoped to avoid the
issue, without making it appear that he was afraid—some of their
comments had implied that his own courage was in question—they had
seen the cause of their hostility approaching. Faced with his
companions’ obvious expectations, his pride would not allow him to
refuse when they had stated that he should go outside and demand
satisfaction.
    ‘ Thank you,
sir ,’
Dumoulin responded, after a moment’s pause, feeling as if his
throat was becoming blocked up. Struggling to control the growing
alarm and consternation that was assailing him, he saw what might
be a way out. ‘My seconds will await your convenience in the
morning.’
    And that, the youngster told himself with
something close to relief, was that. It was over, for the time
being at least. Perhaps, on learning what had happened, his uncle
would make an official intervention and prevent the duel from
taking place.
    There was an unpleasant surprise to
come!
    ‘ No, m’sieur,’ Ole Devil
contradicted, still watching Dumoulin with the same disconcertingly
steady gaze. ‘We’ll settle it right now!’
    ‘ N — Now ?’ the youngster almost yelped and he heard his companions let
out soft spoken exclamations of satisfaction.
    ‘ Now!’ Ole Devil confirmed, apparently devoting his entire
attention to his challenger, but also keeping the other two Creoles under observation
and drawing conclusions from their reactions. ‘As you said, m’sieur, I’m taking my
Company out on patrol in the morning and won’t have time to