Boon's Lick times. [volume] (Fayette, Mo.) 1840-1848, 1842-06-18

thy hand out of useless broils," whispered
a student near him, rather advanced in age.
"Drnk friend," muttered another driIy,
cor he will not be slow in doing his threat,
| promise thee"
Empty the cup, man," cried a third
''never frown and turn pale, or thy young
head will lie lower than thy feet ere to.mor-
rows sunset"
cit is Mentz the duellist,' said fourth,
'dost thou not know his wondrous Skill
He will kill thee as if thou vert deer, if
thou oppose him, he is more merciless than
a wild boar. Drink man, drink"
These good natured suggestions were
uttered in vehement whispers, and while the
students were then endeavorng TO avert
struck his giant hand down violently on the
table, without speaking, as if words were
too feeble for his rage.
During this interesting scene, the youth
had remained motionless, cool and silent
A slight palor, but evidently more of in
dignation than fear, came over his handsome
features, and his eyes, dilated with emotion,
rested full and firm upon Mentz.
"By the mass, gentlemen" said he at
length 81 am a stranger here and ignorant
Of the manner prevalent in Universities,
but if yonder person be sane, and this no
joke
, "Jokew Numbered Mentz, foaming at the
lips.
81 must tell you that came from part
Of the country where we neither give nor
take such jokes nor insults"
I" Hast thou taken leave of thy friends"
said Men,z, partly hushed by astonlshment,
'sand art thou tired of life that thou hurriest
on so blindly to a bloody pillow, boy?-
Drink as have told thee, to Gertrude, the
tairest of the fair!' and his huge round
eyes opened like those of bull upon dar-
ing victim.
!" THAT Gertrude de Saale is fair and love-
ly," cried the youth rising, ''may not be
denied by me. But demand by what
mischance find her name this night, COM
mon at board of rioters, and polluted by
the lips of drunkard and ruffian?''
"By the bones Of my MOTHER" said
Mentz, in tone Of deep and dire anger.
which had, ere then appalled, many stout
heart, "by the bones of my father, your
doom is sealed. Be your blood on your
own head, butt" said he, observing that the
youth instead of covering, bore himself
more lofty, "what folly is this? Drink lad
drink and hurt thee not. love thy gal
liant bearing, and my game is no, such as
thour
He added this with wavering Of man.
ner, which had never before been witnessed
in him, for never before had he been Cd
posed so calmly and so fiercely; and for a
moment he quailed beneath the fiery CLAN
ces darted at him from one whom he sup
posed meeker than a dove; but ashamed OF
his transient fear he added
"Come to me poor child; bring with thee
thy gobet-bend at my feet--quaf it, as
have said, and out of pity, spare thy young
head"
What was the establishment Of the com
pany, on beholding Arnold, as if efectually
awed by moments reflection, and the fe.
rocious enmty Of so celebrated and deadly
foe, and actually do as he was comman-
ded. He rose-took the cup-slowly ap
preached the seat Of his nsuter-knelt and
raised the cup to his lips. Murmers OF
"shamew ''poltroon!" :'cowardw came hot
and thick from the group of spectators,
who had arisen in the excitement Of their
uliositv, and stood eagerly bending for
ward with every eye fixed upon the object
of their contempt. A grim smile of saw
age triumph distorted the features of Mentz,
who shouted with hoarse and drunken
laugh,--"Drnk deep-down with it to the
dregsr'
Arnold, however, touched the rim to his
lips, and waited moments silence, with
an expression scornful and composed, that
the Kisses and EXPLANATIONS were again
quelled. When every sound had ceased to
dead silence:
"Never," said he, ''shall refuse TO drink
to the glory of name | once loved and
honored. Gertrude, fairest of the far!-
But" he added, suddenly raising and draw
ing up his figure, with dignity that silenced
every breath, "for thee, thou drunken brag.
ging, foolish beast--I scorn--l spit upon
i defy thee--and be punished thy base
brutal insolence and thy stupid presump.
ton"
AS he spoke he dashed the contents Of
the ample goblet full in the face of Mentz,
and with all his strength, hurled the massy
goblet at the same mark. The giant reeled
and staggered few PAGES back, and amid
the shining liquor on his dIenched clothe:
and dripping features, stream of blooc
was observed to trickle down the forehead
Never before was popular feeling more
suddenly and violently reversed. The OBJ
ect of their vilest execration flashed upol
them with the immediate brightness OF
;; superior being. A loud and irrepressibl
burs, OF applause broke from every lip, til
Il.