How was Twain saved from fighting a duel?

Twain's staff challenged Laird to a duel on Twain's behalf. Laird refused, and the staff kept sending challenges until Laird finally accepted the challenge. Twain was saved when one of his friends lied and said that Twain had shot the head off of a bird in the air. Laird declined to duel, so Twain's reputation was saved.