The Wilmingtonian, and Delaware advertiser., 1826-09-21

the chance ofseing let blood "lihink,' said
another of the officers, sit is doubtful after
ALL" "No," cried Valmont, "whatever
strange notions the fellow has got into his
head, do firmly believe he is no coward.
The tone of his voice, the hrmne3s of his
look assure me of his courage; and should
be almost sorry to have used him as have
done, ii did not consider that after all he
will have an equal chance with myself for his
life" "Provided," cried one OF the officers
drily, che is as good a swordsman." VAL
mont Redeemed, and made no reply. Z.
The following morning the lieutenant and
the officers were on the ground exactly at the
appointed time; where in less than two min
utes they were joined BY La Croix, who took
"a letter from his pocket, and presented It to
St. Maur, requesting that. if he fell. 1t might
be given to General Bellegrade. The COM
bat then began; Valmont was an excellent
swordsman, but he soon found that he had
to do with his master. At first he fought
with great temper; but soon abandoning him
self to the fury Of his resentment, he made
the most desperate passes, and lett himself
so open to his adversary, that La Crolx
might have taken his life; but 1t was evident
that he acted on the defensive, and avoided
even wounding him.
Let us have done with this child's play,
said the enraged Valmont at last: you knew
what you were about when you agreed to
fight with swords. but if you are not dead to
every sentiment of true honour, give me a
fair chance, and let us take pistols
La Croix looked at him with horror.-O
my Godl' cried he,' how much more barbar-
GUS is man under the influence OF blind rage,
1 .l.l -
than the most savage OF ANIMALS Yes, still
thirst for my blood.-Weli then, satisfy your
self If you can
Pistols were produced; they tossed up for
the first fire; the chance fell to Valmont: he
| fired and missed. La Croix turned round,
and taking direct aim at tree thirty PAGES
distant, lodged the bullet in it breast high,
A cry Of mingled astonishment and admi-
ration burst forth from all the officers. 'Sdeath
cried Valmont, this is not to be borne;
will not receive my life at your hand; insist
upon your firing.
BE satisfied, NJ. Nalmont; you have sue
ceeded in bringing me into the held, heaven
knows against my will; | entered IT with
firm determination not to raise my hand a
gainst your life. insult me as you please. YOU
shall not provoke me to break my resolution
| Overcome by these words, Nalrnont stam-
mered out, Il am to blame But am more
so, cried La Croix, interrupting him; j ought
not to have suffered any provocation to draw
me into an action so contrary to my prihcI-
plies. Thus you have lowered me in my own
ewes, and am determined to have my re-
vcnge; for swear to you, that from this mo
ment, shall not cease to seek your TREND
ship till compel you to grant 1T to me.
/ 1T is yours already said the subducd Val
C,,a,x. . tl.,y ,lt., IS
friendship is the only thing that could recon.
cilc me to my self: that could give me cour.
age to avow the injustice, the 'baroarity O.
my conduct to you--conduct which nov
publicly declare to have been unworthy o
gentleman and soldier, and for which sin
cerely ask your pardon.
1t was granted with hearty shake of tn,
hand. The other officers Aocked around L;
Croix. eager to solicit his friendship and II
prevail on him to be present at all entertain
ment which they determined to give III hi
, honour-He would have declined this pub
lie acknowledgement Of the superiority c
his conduct, but they were too pressing to b.
refused; he agreed to accept il, and they al
returned amicably to the parade together
!, The subsequent conduct of Valmont prov
ed that he was not unworthy of the geuer
, GUS forgiveness he had received. He pub
lished every where the particulars Of the re
countre and gave to his antagonist all th
merit which was so justly his due. The oil
general was delighted; he declared that th
nuptials Of his daughter and La Crox shoul,
be celebrated the moment the consent of hi
) father was obtained---'Ahl' cried Eugene
extending her hand to La Croix, Heaven b
4 praised that thou art safe will nc. reproacl
thee but yet-'-'But vet I should hav,
done better not to have met him, is not tha
| my Eugene meant to osay"-'Yes.' 'Fooiisl
La Croix, SHE is right. ! have but half ac
quilted myself to my conscience: it is only i
refusing challenge altogether that ma
can prove himself possessed Of true cour
! age