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

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and revels of the University-insuted n
one; and if his mantle brushed agains
that Of another, he apologized, so immedi
ately, so gracefully, so gently, that tn
devil himself could not have fixed q quar-
rel with him.
| 1t soon appeared, too, that Gertrude, til
lovely daughter Of Baron de Saale-th
boast of all the country-upon whom tn
most of us gazed as on something quit
above us-it soon appeared that the cir
loved this youthful stranger. Now Ment
had singled out Gertrude for himself, ant
avowed his preference publicly. Arnold
for so this new student was called, wa
rarely if ever tempted by our feasts; bu
he once came Unexpectedly on a casua
invitation. TO the great surprise and in
terest of the company, Mentz was there
and seated himself at the table, an una
Dashed, though unbdden guest. The
strongest curiosity at once arose to wit
ness the result; for Mentz had sworn tha
he would compel Arnold, at their first meet
ing to beg pardon on his knees for the
audacity for having addressed his mis-
tress.
1t had not appeared that Arnold knew
anything Of Mentz's character, for he sal
cheerfuly and gaily at the board, with so
much the manners Of high-born gentle
man, that every one admitted at once his
goodness, his intelligence, his grace, and
his beauty, and regretted the abyss on the
brink of which he stood.
"What, ho!" at length shouted Mentz,
as the evening had little advanced and
the wine began to mount; "a toast come
drink it all; and he who refuses is a pol
troon and coward; | quaf this goblet
filled to the brim, to the health and happi-
ness OF Gertrude de Saale-the fairest of
the fair Who says he knows a fairer is
black liar! and will write the words with
red hot brand on his forehead!"
Never before had even Mentz betrayed
his brutal soul more grossly in his words;
but the guests, who knew that he was heat
ed with wine, passed over the coarse it,
suit with shouts Of laughter, and drank
with riotous confusion, to Gertrude, the
fairest OF the fair. As the cleaning goblets
were emptied and dashed rattling on the
table, Mcntz arose, with the bloated i'm
portance of despot, gazed around to see
that all present had fulfilled his orders
Every goblet was emptied but one. which
stood untasted-untouched! On perceiv-
ing this, the ruffian, leaning forward. fixed
his eyes on the cup, struck his brawny
hand down fercely on the table, which re-
turned laundering clatter, and said in
voice husky with rage:
"There is cup full, by St. Anthony! |
will make the owner Of it swallow its mea-
sure of molten lead, if it remains thus all
instant longer!''
"Drink it, Arnold; drink it boy; keep
thy hand out of useless broils." whispered
a student near him rather advanced in
years.
"Drink, friend!" mu,tered another drly,
'or he will not be long in executing his
threat, | promise thee"
"Empty the cup, man!' cried third,
never frown or turn pale, or thy head will
lie lower than thy feet ere to.morrow's sun
SET"
at is Mentz, the duelist," cried fourth.
'Dost thou know his wonderful skill! He
will kill thee as if thou vert deer, if thou
will oppose him in his wine. He is more
nerciless than wild bear. Drink, man,
lrink!'
These good natured suggestions were
Uttered in hasty and vehement whispers;
md while the students were endeavoring to
oalliate the dreadful catastrophe, the furi-
JUS beast again struck his giant hand on
he table violently, without speaking, as
{ words were too feeble to utter his rage.
During this interesting scene, the youth
lad remained motonless, cool. and silent.
A slight pallor, but evidently more of in.
lignation than fear, came over his hand
ome features, and his eyes dilated with
'motion, resting full and firm upon Mentz.
"By the mass, gentleman" cried he at
ength, 81 am stranger here, and igno-
ant of the manners prevalent in the Uni
'ersity; but if yon person be sane, and this
10 joke"
"Joke!" thundered Mentz, foaming at the
Up.
81 must tell you that am come from
'art of the country where we neither give
Tor take such jokes or insults"
"Hast thou taken leave of thy friends?"
aid Mentz, partly hushed from astonish-
nent, "and art thou tired Of life, that thou
lurrest SO blindlyto bloody pillow! Boy
rink, as have told thee, to Gertrude, the
arrest Of the fair!" And his huge eyes
pened and gazed like those of bull on
darling victim.
"That Gertrude may be the fairest of the
air may not be denied by me. But, | de-
nand by what mischance find her name
MS night common at board of rioters,
nd polluted by the lips of common cow
rd and drunkard." ,.f /
"By the bones of my father!" said Mentz,
, a tone of deep and dire anger, which
ad ere then appalled, many Stout heart;
by the bones Of my father, your doom is
ealed! Be your blood on your own head.
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