Wheeling times and advertiser. [volume] (Wheeling, Va. [W. Va.]) 1839-1849, 1845-05-05
it," replied Charles, placing his hand on the

it, replied Charles, placing his hand on the
strangers collar.
AT the moment he did so, he was instantly
struck IN the face and thus an insultwas Of
Tered TO him. that in every country of the
world, and IN despite of the strongest laws, re-
quires a reparation, too frequently stained
with blood.
A place of meeting was instantly fixed up
on. Not one word of rage or of passion passed
between the parties, only, at the end of the
performance, the unknown, in passing Charles,
looked at him fixedly, and in order that he
might see what effect his words would pro-
duce upon him, said
Tomorrow, sir-l am General Dupont"
That name was known to Charles. as it was
known to all the world for il had acquired in
rance, but IN Paris especially, a horrible &C.
ieprity. Every one knew that, thanks to his
numerous talent. aided as il had hitherto been
by chance, that every unfortunate man that
nad ironted the General as an antagonist i'm a
duel, had been removed as a corpse!
No matter what NAV be a mans courage
nor how strong may be his nerves, nor how fix
Ell ms determination-still, the moments that
preceoe a duel, are moments of awful sus-
pense; Tor them all the bonds that bind us to
the world seem to be drawn with greater close
ness towards II. Charles passed the entire
~ 'i''"ihS uilu III NIlllllH. hnu more
than one bitter remembrance came to shake
ms nerves, and to wiring his heart. When
daylight, however, at length appeared, the
lime oil trial was over. The man was com
piete master of himself, and free from every
weakness. '
considering the insult Charles Melville had
received as too gross for any middle course
oil reconciliation to be adopted, Edward Yer
miller took uponhimself the Office of a second.
without thinking of being a peacemaker. He
Knew, too, that his friend Charles was a man
Oh oauntiess bravery, and a most accomplished
slot. lie then, with the second of the Gen
eral, arranged that the meeting should take
place in the wood of Vincennes, near to the
village oil Saint Monde--that the two combat
tants should stand at twenty PAGES distance,
and That chance should decide which should
first fire.
Charles, ON getting into his carriage, gave to
ms Trend a letter, telling him that in case he
should be killed, he was to give it to his broth
er A~dolphus.
You will tell him that the last words that
Iaitered ON my lips when expiring, were his
name and that ~of-Eugenia."
Edward clasped the hand ofhis friend in 81
fence: wa felt by Charles as an inviolable
promise, and he only added, with a melancholy
smile,
Thanks thanks
Charles at once proceeded to the gronnd.
Inc General was there before him, and per
ceivlng him, he advanced towards him. and
coioiy salutei him, and then began smoking as
apparently ~unconcerned as if he were an entire
stranger to the trightful scene that was about
TO be enacted.
A five franc piece was thrown i'm the air
and chance favored Charles Melville. Certain
as he was of his aim, he at once saw that his
adversary was lost; but on finding himself
master OF the existence of a man who had Of
Tered him a most mprovoked outrage, his re-
sentiment was completely extinguished. He
was horriiied at the thought of causing death
In that body which God had animated with
NE. lie asked himself how he could think
oil bringing to the altar of religion the pure Eu-
genia, and there Offering her a hand red with
the blood OF a fellow creature.
The thoughts of his love triumpbed over tbe
memory oil the outrage he endured. He extern
ded his arm and exclaimed,
NOW, General, for-the half of your hat ~
The ball whistled and carried eff the object
at which he had aimed.
General Dupont had not made n single
movement that could indicate fear. surprise Or
gratitude. His brow was frowning. his look
menacing, and a smile of irony curled ON his
lip.
you are very skil(ul, sir" he said coldly.
And now for YOU, sir-the fifth button ON
the left"
The shot was fired, and Charles fell-,bo
shot had passed through his heart.
at is a vile, cold blooded assassination y,
exclaimed Edward Vermillier, pale with rage
and indignation. e
Make no foolish noise, young man. said
the General, in an icy tone of voice. every
one uses his right of firing as he pleases
Farewell, gentlemen
In pronouncing these words, the General
got into his cabriolet, and drove off.
Edward Vermillier rendered the last duties
to the remains of his friend. The umfortn-
nate young man was inferred i'm the cemetery
oil st. Maude; and when that sad mission had
been fulfilled, he Immediately repaired 10
Baden, III order that he might most punc-
tually fulfil the promise that he had made IN
MIN who no longer existed.
Adolphus Melville, on receiving this news
like one stricken with thumderboIt
HIS grief was silent and sombre, like that
which despairs and cannot seek any consola-
ton IN a future hope. He brought Edward
'ermllher into a shooting gallery. He fired
two thots with a pistol, and each shot was d;-
rectly In the centre of the mark.
Edward" said he, edo you think | could
Int a man if ltimcd at him."
CHAPTER n.
Six months after the occurrences lust de-
tailed, a great crowd, attracted by the promise
oil a splendid performance, was drawn to the
opera house, and amongst them one well
known to every onc-General Dupont. Not
lar from him might be observed a Young man
whose lace wasof marble paleness, and whose
OF fire seemed to be fixed with an intent
saIe upon every movement of the General.
II was not without establishment that some
persons remarked that the instant the GonnraI
lett his seat between the acts. this Young man
from his own, and took possession of
that which the old officer had vacated but for
a moment.
''Ihis place is mine, sir" said the Geneml
III q naughty tone of voice, on his return.
NOT the slightest answer was given to him.
"Quit THIS place instantly-do YOU hear ~
continued General Dupont, cxcitedto furious