The spirit of democracy. [volume] (Woodsfield, Ohio) 1844-1994, 1851-06-11

dued by the singular composure and self
possession Of his antagonist, that all pres
ent held him in contempt, and no one stir
red.
"No matter" replied Arnold. 81 vii
myself forego the same privilege"
"And your weapons!" said Mentz.
care here" said Arnold. drawing then
from his bosom, "and finer pair never
drew blood. The choice is yours
The company now began to fancy tina
Arnold had equivocated in disclaimne
skill as duelist; and from his invincble
composure thought him more fatal mas
ter of the weopon than the bully himself
The latter also partook Of the same opin.
ion.
"Young man" he cried in voice
clouded and low, and SAID no further.
"Your choce!" srid Arnold, presenting
the pistols. Mentz seized one desperately
and said
SHOW name your distance"
"BooG- Thirsty wolf! there shall be no
distance!" said Arnold.
He then turned and addressed the COM
pany.
"Genlemen, he said, "deem me not
savage or insane, that | sacrifice myself
and this brutal wretch, thus before your
eyes, and to certain and instant destruc-
ton. For me confess | have no value
in life. For her whom | loved | have
sworn to forget; and if I exist thousand
years, should never see her again. This
ruflian is coward and fears to die; though
he does not fear daily TO merit death. |
have long heard Of his baseness, and re-
garded him as an assassin-the enemy of
the human race and of Coda dangerous
beast whom it will be mercy and vir.
ture to destroy. My own life would be
well rid of, but would not fling it away
idly, when its loss may be made subservi-
ent to the destruction of vice and the re-
lief of humanity. Here then, yield my
breath; and here too this trembling and
shrinking craven shall close his course Of
debauchery and murder. My companions
farewell! Should any of you hereafter
chance to meet Gertrude de Saale, tell her
nobly flung away life which her con.
duct made me despise. And now, re-
creant" turning fercely to Mentz, "plant
thy pistol to my bosom. as will plant mine
to thine. Let one of the company count
three, and the third number be the signal
to fire"
With an increased paleness in his coun-
tenace, but even with more frmness, Ar
mold threw off his cap, displaying his fair
forehead and glossy hair. His lips were
closed and firm, and his eyes, which gls-
tened with deadly glare, were fixed on
Mentz. He then placed himselfin an att-
tude of firing; broadened his exposed chest
full before the foe, and with stamp of i'm.
patience raised his weapon.
The brow beaten bully attempted to do
the same; but the pistol. held loosely in
his grasp, whether by accident or intention,
went off before the signal. Its contents
passed through the garments of Arnold,
who levelling the muzzle of his own, cried
calmly
son your knees, slave! Vile dog! Down
or you die!
Unable any longer to support his frame,
the unmasked coward sunk on both knees
and prayed for life. Again wild shouts of
applause and delight and peals of riotous
laughter stunned his ears. | shall never
forget the shouts when Mentz's knees
touched the floor. 1t seems to me that the
echoes may yet be scarcely quiet in the
woods of Saxony. As he arose from his
posture, Arnold touched him |
with his foot. Groans and
Kisses now began to be mingled with sever.
al missiles. Mentz covered his face with
his hands, and rushed from the room, and
was nevermore seen among us.
Arnold had been Tilted like many good
fellow before him, and like most men who
have to do with woman. He was but a
poor artist after all; and though my pretty
mistress encouraged him at first, taken by
MS person and manners, yet he was not
nigh enough for the daughter Of baron.