Southport telegraph. [volume] (Southport, W.T. [i.e. Kenosha, Wis.]) 1840-1850, 1844-12-03
THE ASSASSIN'S SISTER,
OR THE NIGHT BEFORE EXECUTION.
BY J. II. INGRAHAM.

One morning in May, 1874, was seat
cd in the Cafe st. Louis, in New Orleans,
reading paper and slipping coffee, when
n young man entered and took his seat at
the marble table next to me. He was
about twenty-five years Of age, with fine
features, and dark hazel eye of exceeding
brilliancy. His complexion was remarka-
bly, pure and clear, with rich rose hue
upon either cheek. His dark chestnut hair
fell in flowing, yet graceful masses, far.
below his collar. He was fashionably at
tired indeed his dress was in the extreme
Of the mode. A diamond gIittered upon his
little finger, and ruby of great size blazed
amid the laced ru.fles of his shirt bosom.
He took his seat with an easy, negl gent
mir, and, in French, called for q bottle of
wine. 1t was brought TO him, and filling
,umber with the blood-red claret he drank
il off, and then lighting fragrant cigar,
began 10 smoke. | now OBJ served him more
closely. He would have been very hand
some but for fierce light-a quick, light
ming like glance that flashed from his eyes
| saw that spark would enkndle his fiery
nature into u flame.
| finished my coffee and laid down my
paper. AS | did SO, it fell from the edge
Of The table, and Lightly struck the boot OF
the young Creole. did not deem this Of
any consequence, but was reminded that it
was regarded SO by the young gentleman !;
for had not gone three steps from my
seat, when felt his little finger laid very
lightly on my arm.
monsieur will apologize " said the
young man, fixing his eyes upon me, and
speaking in low tone, with an extruordi,
nary emphasis upon the last word.
"For what should | apologize, Mon
sieur!" | asked, in surprise.
For letting that Gazette touch my per-
son.'
at fell fyom the table, said I, half an
grly, yet amused al his serious manner.
"Monsieur must apologize,' he repeated
in the same tone as before. 1t was not Il
demanding nor authoritative tone, but quiet,
earnest, positive.
IL have no apology TO make, Monsieur
The idea is absurd. You jest"
- arm in earnest" he said seriously, his
eyes fairly blazing
$50 am |, Monsieur"
was passing on, when he laid his fore
finger again lightly upon my arm, and then
drew from mis- yes, pocket richly inlaid
card.case, and taking from it a card, with
formal and marked bow, presented it be.
tween two fingers towards me. | took i,
and read,
M. JULES DE VEREAUx.
Rue Coroadelc..
| bowed respectfully to NJ. Jules de We
yeaux, and in return for his courtesy gave
him my own card, as the most quiet way
of settling the little affair for the moment,
though | well knew this interesting person,
according 10 the Interpretation of this &C,
among duelsis, regarded it as an accep-
lance OF his polite proposition Gin giving
his card) TO arrange the matter by n duel.
But had no intention Of fighting my mer-
rurial friend, as did moi feel myself bound
10 be governed by the laws Of any court of
duelsis What the result Of giving my card
in return would have been, and whether
should have had to meet NJ Jules GO Ve-
reaux, and be run through the body for let
ting a newspaper fall from the corner of a
table and hitting the toe Of his boot, can
not tell as a new circumstance at once
transpired which placed my fiery antago-
mist in position quite different from that
IN which he had stood a moment before
After receiving my card and address, he
very politely touched his hat, the fire in
hIs eyes became milder, smile of satisfac-
Hton rested on his lips, and he turned and
walked away, after saying blandy, with
graceful curve OF his ieweled hand.
Monsieur shall hear from ms.n
| bowed in acknowledgment, Of his kind
ptention respecting me, and was begiunins
10 turn over in my mind how should avoid
o rencon,re with this amiable Young man
for, as | resolved not 10 accep, The challenge
which knew he would shortly honor me
Nth, was well aware he would not fail.
according 10 the laws made and provided in
such cases, 10 attack me in the Streets
This attack resolved TO abide, for it is one
thing TO meet man in duel, and another
10 defend cne's life in chance encounter.
The guilt OF the duelisi could never attach
10 the hand Of one who Stays him who at
lacks him seeking for his life. So deter
mined TO refuse the challenge, and prepare
20 defend myself, should this sensitive gen
t'eman see nj 10 assault me.