This is an extract from the story of Thomas Heslop which appears on Page 22 of Volume 1.

Thomas Heslop.

Five men in a field, meeting in accordance with well-established rules.

For two of them, their honour and pride had been so ravaged that there could only be one way in which the affront could be resolved.

A duel.

Thomas Heslop and John Beynon were accompanied by their seconds and a local doctor was in attendance, ready to pick up the pieces.

It was Saturday 10 September 1814 and they had all come together in Danwarrin field in Llandyfyriog near Adpar, which is just the other side of the river from Newcastle Emlyn.

The field they had selected was divided by a stream. Beynon and Heslop stood on either side of the stream, facing away from each other. The rules were re-stated by their seconds, Walters and Hughes. They were to walk 10 paces before turning and firing.

Neither would, nor could, pull out now. There was no going back.

They began to pace out their deliberate steps.

Who can tell what thoughts were flashing through their minds as they counted down towards such an awful conclusion? Just a few short steps separating them from injury or vindication, or possibly both. One, two three, four…

Except that things did not go according to plan. Because after only five paces Beynon turned and shot Heslop in the back. He died almost immediately.

This was a shocking affront to the accepted rules of engagement, though if self preservation is paramount and the adrenaline is pumping so furiously, then it is an action that we can perhaps understand. He hadn’t played by the rules, but who amongst us can ever know his fear? How many of us today could have calmly measured out those 10 steps, knowing what might be at their conclusion?

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