The Evansville journal. (Evansville, Ind.) 1834-184?, 1846-11-12
THE BEAR CHASE.
TRANSLATED FROM THE FRENCH OF ALEX
AMBER DUMAS.


body guard was congregated near the Lato-
ma basin, al Versailles, listening TO two of
their number discussing subject which at
that period was rarely matter of contfover-
sy in military circles.
.Refuse duel after public affrontr ex-
claimed the tallest of the speakers, whose
8 bronZed features were rendered almost fero-
cious by thick red mousrache; 'it is stain
that all the waters Of the deluge would not
wash away.
Il repeat Monsieur de Malatour,' replied
the other, in calm, polite tone, shat there is
more true courage in refusing than in accept
ing duel.-What is more common than TO
yield TO passion, envy or vengence; and what
is more rare than TO resist them? Therefore,
ii is a virtue when exhibited at the price Of
public opinion; for what costs nothing, is es-
teemed as worth nothing
"A marvel! Monsieur d'Argentre, !
would advise, if ever the king gives you
the command of a company, 10 have engra-
ven on the sabres of the soldiers the
ommandment--'Thou shall do no muir
DER
'And wherefore, not? His majesty would
have better servants, if we had in our regi-
ment more soldiers and fewer DULLES. Take
as an example him with whom you seem SO
much incensed; has he not nobly avenged
what you call an affront by taking, with his
own hands, an enemy's colors while
your knaVe most likely formed prudent re-
serve behind the baggagep
'Cowards themselves have their moments
of courage
EApA tba brapa alec fboi. o(
fear
'The expression is not that of a gentle
man.
1t is that of Monsieur de Turenne, whose
family equalled ours, and vino avowed that
he was not exempt from such moments.
everybody has heard of his conduct 10 bragg
gadocio, who boosted in his presence that he
had never known fear. He suddenly passed
lighted candle under the speakers nose,
who instantly drew back his head, to the
great amusement of the bystanders who laugh
ed heartily at this singular mode of testing
the others assertion.
None but a marshal OF France had dared
totry such pleasantly. To our subject, sir
| maintain that your friend is a coward and
you
'And - repeated d'Argentre, his eyes
flashing, and his lips firmly compressed.
Halo, gentlemenn exclaimed third par
ty, who, owing to the warmth OF the argument
had joined the group unperceived This
is my affair." said he to Monsieur d'Argentre,
holding his arm, then turning to his adverse.
ry, added-'Monsieur de Malatour, am at
your orders'
I'm that case, after you, if necessary, said
d'Argentre, with his usual calmness.
BY my honor you charm me, gentlemen
Let US CO.
sOne Moment replied the new conner,
who, young as he was, wore the cross OF ST.
Louis.
mo remarks Gentlemen, hasten'
Too great haste in such cases evidences
less contempt for death, than any anxiety
to get rid OF his Phantom
Il listen, sir
Monsieur d'Argentre just now stated that
the bravest have their moments of fear.
Without taking as serious his anecdote of
Monsieur de Turenne, shall add, that with
the exception Of the difference that exists
between muscles and nerves, the courage OF
the duelst is more an affir of habit, than of
principle; for it is the natural state of man
10 love peace, if not for the sake of others,
at least for himself. Do you wish TO prove
i?'
Enough, sir; we are not here to listen TO
a Sermon
'Yet moment. Here is my propo silion;
we are all assembled this evening previous
10 our leave of absence. invite you, then
as also these gentlemen present TO a bear
hunt on my estate, or rather among the pre-
cipices of CIat, in the Eastern Pyrenees.
You are very expert, Monsieur de Malatour
You can snuff candle with pistol at
twenty PAGES, and you have no equal at the
small sword. Well, | shallplace you before
bear and if you succeed do not even
say in lodging ball in his head, but merely
in firing upon him--I shall submit immedi.
ately aflerio meet you face to face with any
weapon you chose 10 name, since it is only
at that price am 10 gain yolt good oPln-
ion.'
Are you playing comedy, sir?'
quite the contrary. And even repeat
of the nerves, than OF the true courage arising
from principles
.What guarantee have should | accept
your proposition, that you will not again en-
deavor to evade me?
My word sir; when take all my comrades
TO witness and place under the safeguard OF
their honor
There ran through his auditory such buzz
Of appreciation, that De Malatours, though
with bad grace, was obliged TO acceded tt
the arrangement 1t was then agreed that
on the Isl of September, all present shoulC
assemble al the Chateau de Clat
Whilst the young Lord of the manor il
making The necessary preparatohs for lhei