The herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1835-1837, 1836-03-04
A SOLDIERS REVENGE.

N
willingly think YOU honorable man; take them re-
quest you three days reflect this subject to ask
Yourself cooly and dspassonatey how far this thirst
for the blood of who never injured you Is consist
ent with true honor. hope the end Of that time 10
End you in a just way of thinking, and that you
will assist convince these gentlemen, that ii is not
necessary shed blood because word has been drop
ped inconsideratey At these words cres OF ndlgna-
ton resoundcd from all present. and La Croix left the
room, while they swearing that he should hight or
quit the regiment.
The sights with which they had before treated him,
nothing the inseent contempt they showed for
hin during the three following days, and the patience
with which he supported il, appeared in their eyes
that nothing coald justify. The general had
been Immediately informed of what had passed. and full
of the prejudices of the military profession he
sirafed with him in the strongest terms upon his con-
duct, and ended by forbddng him his house till he had
wiped out the stain upon his honor Eugenia was fer
hidden to write him. but for the first and only
time the gentle girl dsobeyed the will of her parent by
conveying line La Croix expressive of her approba
ton of his conduct and of her hope that heaven would
give him strength Of mind to persevee in IT, His heart
swelled with mingled sensation of pleasure and pain
as he read this letter. Yes, dearest Eugenia cried
he you, and you alone understand me- In yosr appro
baton Of my conduct, could find balm for the unjust
with which treated but, alas how long shall
be able preserve that appreciation prec to my
heart how long shall be able to defend myself against
the commission of a crime which shudder!
When the three days expired, he entered the
coffee house at the moment that all the officers were
assembled Mr.. Valmont," said he, addressing his
antagonist Il hope that now find you in DISPOSE
toa appreciate justly the motive OF my conduct
cowardce; but frankly avow, that duel inspires me
with horror; and will Willingly raise my arm,
but against the enemies of nay country. do not ask
you for aay apology; am Wiling 10 bury he past IN
81 shall never be friends with man who acts like
poltroon."
"Tsen must 6ghtl"
@To be sure YOU must" cried all the officers once
avery well lhen let difference be decided to-mor
row morning. at SIX o'clock in the presence of three
officers of our corps and hree of the hussars. As the
party challenged ought have the choice Of weapons
but l waive IT,
aIfI am TO name them, say swords"
Vamont smiled with peculiar expression IN his
countenance and retired without making any observa-
So then" cried ST. Maur we have at last provoked
This pretty gentleman TO the chance of being let
blood" think" cred another OF the ofhcers, II Is
doubtful after ALL" "No,'' cried Vamolt whatever
arrange notions the fellow has got in his head, do
firmly believe he is no coward. The of his voice,
the mness of his look, me OF his courage and
/ should be almost sorry to have used HIM as have
DONE if did consider that after all he will have an
equal chance with myself for his tfe." Provided"
cried one OF the officers dnly he is good swords
man" Valmont Redeemed, but made no reply.
The lieutenant and the other officers were on the
ground exactly at the appointed time where, IN less
than two minutes they joined by La Croix, who
took letter from his pocket and presented IT TO 81 Maur
requesting that if he fell il might be given TO General
Bellegarde. The combat then began, Falmont was an
excellent swordsman, but he soon onnd that he had to
do with his MASTER AT first he fought with great tenn
per- but soon abandoning himself 10 the fury OF his re-
sentiment he made the most desperate passes and LETT
himself so open his adversary, that La Crox might
repeatedly have taken his life but evident that
he acted merely on the defensive, and avoided even
woundiDg him.
aIet Us have done with this childs play said the
enraged yalmont al last; "you knew what you were
about when YOU agreed TO fight with swords but you
are not dead every sentiment OF true honour give me
a fair chance, and let Us take pisels."
La Croix looking him with horror o. my Cod
cried he how much barbarous man, under the
influence of blind rage, than the OF animals
Won still thirst for my blood Well then unjust man.
satisfy yourselfif YOU can.
PISTOLS were produced; they tossed up for the first
Gre; the chance fell te Vamont ne hred and missed
Ia fraix turned round, and taking direct aim at tree
thirty PAGES Distant lodged the bullet in il breast hgn
cry of mingled establishment and admiration burst
forth from all the officers "'Sdeath, cried Vamont
This Is not TO be born. will not receive my life at
vour hands l insist upon your firing.
Be satisfied NJ Valmout You have gained one point;
Won have succeeded in bringing into the held heaven
Knows sorely against my will but entered u WIN
firm determination not raise my hand against your
life insult you please, you shall not provoke me
TO break my resolution.
Ovsrcoms by these verbs Valmont stammered out
ct am 10 blame" aBut more so,' cried La
Cm;x. nrerupting him; ought not to have suffered
nv nroyocation to draw int action 50 contrary
- NV princples.-Thus you have lowered me in nay
srss. and am determined TO have my revenge;
81 year 70 vou that from this moment, shall not
rss.e 10 SEEK your friendship till COMPEL you to grant
II, :. vours Already" said the subdued Valmont
g.. I. Crox. the promise Of your friendship u the
aslv Thing that could reconcile me to myself tnat csuio