Burlington free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1827-1865, 1840-06-12

alfred made a convulsivc spring back
wards. Liar y he exclaimed in a hollow
voice.
The banker sat motionlcss, but his thin
lips q%uivcrcd with suppressed emotion the
same sardonic smile still played on his fca-
lures, but their p~alcncss had faded to a still!
more pale and ashley hue. In an instant the
players were on their feet, and grouping
round the two actors in this strange and UNI
expected drama. Alfred was standing up,
his hands conclusivcly clcnchcd, his eyes
dilatcd, and his whole figure shaking with
rage. The banker, on the contrary, was
rocking himself easily backwards and for
wards in his chair, and casting round on the
spectators a look of self possession and COM
placcncy, at the same time playing with the
pile of gold lcapcd up on his right. Sir
said Nc, at length, measuring Alfred from
head to foot, with the coolest efrontcry, 1t
is more than probable you do not know who
! am that, indeed, is to me sufficiently clear.
And as for these gentlemen here, | have eve
ny reason to suppose that knowing them, you
would not have taken it upon yourself to give
me the lie in their presence. Pray sir, what
may be your namc|
'Insolcnt fellow = cried Alfred, with con-
ccntra,cd Indignation.
Just as it may please you,' replied the
banker with impcrturbablc calmncss. 'Tlcn
you arr equally unacquaintcd with my name.
| have the choice of the weapons, sir. Now
It's as well you should know that the lizard
hunter is not more sure of his rifle than | am
Of my pistol
This was said distinctly and coolly, and
with an air of convection that caused a shud-
der among the spectators. The man was
really frighttul with hts measured phrases
and his a troid. The players listened
tohim with Il kind of dread. Alfred himself
was scarcely proof against it.
you havea mind to brighten me- said he,
very impaticntly.
Il not in the least replied the mcthodi-
cal banker, with emphatic Indifference, and
the same cold snccr and smile of duplicity
But | cannot feel in my conscience to as
s~assinatc YOU and so saying, he felt slowly
in each of his pockets, from which he drew
a small rifle barrclIcd pistol which he placed
on the table. A death like silence prevailed
the whole room.
There, SIR he continued, turning direct
ly opposite the young sailor, and crossing hi;
legs as if he was about entering on the mos
common place conversation imaginable, 'thi,
IS the best thing | have to propose indeed
it is all that | can do in order to accommo.
date matters. Bring the dice, he con.
tinucd in the same tone of voice, turning
half round on his clair-'and shut the door.
The door of the play room was closed
and the dice placed on the table. The sounC
of the orchestra and Of the festive ball only
reached the room as a suppressed and dlstan
murmur. Nov them said he, here we have
dice and a pistol-tlc highest throwcr kill,
the other. We shall settle it thus, CHI!
The young sailor approached the table
seized the dice boXin mere desperation, shook
it with convulsivc energy, cast one iurtivc
glance towards the hall door, and threw
As Flowed by an electric shock, every hcat
was simultaneously bent over the cloth tho
action of the terrific drama had passed 81
rapidly-thc dcn0umcnt was so near at hand
that one could scarcely believe in the reality
of the atrocious scene, thus c@nacting withou,
noise or interruption around that a~ccursct
table. The banker IN Il loud voice rcckonet
up the points.
'Sly and six are twelve, an onc-tllirtccn
a good throw, a very good throw, upon my
word, voung gentleman. = good ;hrow.' IL,
took up the dice, replaced them in tic box
and, with an air of the coolest cfrontcry
addressing the spectators, he exclaimed
{ thirteen a very good punt, but it's Away,
an unlucky number. Come gentlemen, wht
bids fifty louis d'ors on me! fifty louis dor!
on the life that gentleman yondcr?' he con-
tinucd, fixing his eye with a malignant ant
| deadly glare on the young lieutenant, wht
quailcd Involuntary beneath it.
The players turned pale, and remained
ri silent.
'Well thcn,' said he with a smile, "a
there seems to be no bet, here s for my self;
and thcdicc rolled upon the table. Fifteen
, You have lost, Sir. a pity, too, with so goo'
Il point. The affair, gentlemen, was wei
contested at all events. So, then, sir you
lie belongs TO me. Are you ready"
Al present drew back in terror. TIN
banker, still stretched out in his arm chair
was quietly engaged in adjusting the lock
and carefully examining the printing of hi
, pistol.
Il am ready replied the young mar
lStdiluIllH nlOtiOilltSH UclDiC MN.
: "A little more room, if you please, gentle
: MEMS tho banker, at the same time bow
: inc to the spectators to stand one side.
'Thcy obcycd mechanically, gaping wit
Il mute establishment, each vacant face para.
G lyzed with a stupid stare, and bctrayin
d nougl!t save a feeling Of instructive dread
S The banker, with his arm resting on the tab
Q and his head suppdMcd with his left lianC
e took a steady aim at the young lieutenant.
Fire! exclaimed Alfred, uncovcring II
breast, his countcnancc bcaming with Intro
pidi,y and unslrinking resignation. I'll
p banker Withdrew his hand and raised h
= head. Tho spectators b~rcGtlled once NOR
This unnatural scene had been protractcd
long, and for an instant there was hope
We have not chosen seconds, he rcmarkc
'but as for that natter he added, after
Is momcnt's silence, these gentlemen mi
serve as Witnesses in case Of need