The spirit of democracy. [volume] (Woodsfield, Ohio) 1844-1994, 1851-06-11
WOODSFIELD OHIO, WEDNESDAY,, JUNE II, 1851

lie ADDED this with such Waverlng O
manner, as had never before been witness
ed in him, for never before had he beel
so calmly and fiercely opposed; and, for
moment, he quailed before the fiery glance
darted at him from one he supposed meek
er than dove. But ashamed of his tran
sient fear, he said
"Come to me, poor child! Bring will
thee thy goblet-bend before me ant
quaf it as have before said, and out o
pity, III spare thy young head"
| What was the astonishment of the com
pany on beholding Arnold. as if effectual
ly awed by moments reflection, and the
ferocious enmity of so deadly and celebra
ted foe. He rose, took the cup, ant
slowly approached the nsulter-knet ant
raised the rim to his lips. Murmurs o
"shame," "polroon." coward" came
hot and thick from the group Of spectators
who had risen in the excitement of theil
curiosity. and stood eagerly bending Tor
ward with every eye fixed upon the objec
Of their contempt. A grim smile distorted
the features of Mentz, who shouted with a
hoarse and drunken laugh
"Drink deep; down with tito the drcgsr"
Arnold, however. only touched the rim
to his lips, and waited moments silence,
with an expression so scornfu! and COM
posed that the Kisses and exclamations
were again quelled; when every sound
had ceased to dead silence
TO the glory Of name that | once loved
and honored-Gertrude, the fairest of the
fair! But" he added suddenly rising, and
drawing up his figure with dignity that
sienced every breath, "lor thee, drunken,
Dragging, foolish beast, scorn-I spit up
on defy thee! and thus be punished thy
base, brutal insolence, and thy stupid pre-
SUMPTION"
AS he spoke he dashed the contents of
the ample goblet full in the face of Mentz,
and then, with all his strength, hurled the
massy goblet itself at the same mark. The
giant reeled and staggered few PAGES
back, and amid the shining liquor on his
drenched clothes and dripping features, a
stream Of blood was seen TO trickle down
his forehead.
Never before was popular feeling more
suddenly and violently reversed. A loud
and irrepressible burst of applause broke
from every lip, till the broad and heavy
ralters above their heads. and the very
Of the floor shook and trembled.
But the peal of joy and appreciation soon
ceased; for though this inspiring drama
had so noby commenced, it was uncertain
how it might end. Before the tvrant had
recovered from the stunned and bewilder-
ed trance into which the blow, combined
with grief, shame ,astonisnment, and drunk
enness had thrown him, several voices, af.
Ter the obstreporous calls for silence usual
on such occasions, addressed the youth,
who stood cool and erect, with folded arms
waiting the course Of events.
Brave Arnold! Noble Arnold! A gal
ant deed! The blood of true gentleman
S in his veins!''
"But canst thou fght?" said one.
81 am only a simple student. and an
artist by profession; | have devoted my.
'elf TO the pencil and not to the sword"
answered Arnold.
"But thou canst use it a little, canst thou
lot?' asked another.
But Indifferent" answered the youth. |
"And how art thou with a pistol!" de-
handed the third.
"My hand is unpractised," said Arnold.
Il have not skill in shedding human blood"
"For Gods sake! then, rash boy, what
las tempted thee to this false extremity?"
"Hatred Of oppression in all its FORMS"
epled the youth, "and willingness to die
ather than submit to an insult"
"Die then thou shalt, and that ere TO-
norrow's sun shall set!" thundered Mentz,
tarting up in frenzy, and with hoarse
nd broken voice, that made the hearts of
he hearers shudder as if at the howl of
lemon: ......
81 challenge thee to mortal combat"
Sand | accept the challenge"
sit is for thee to name the time, place,
nd weapons; but, as thou lowest me, let it
lot be longer than tomorrow night, or |
hall burst with impotence and rage"
81 love thee not, base dog" replied Ar.
old, "but thou shalt not die so inglorous
death-I will fight with thee therefore to-
light"
by the mother of Heaven, boy,'' cried
lentz, more and more surprised, "thou
rtin haste to sup in hell" and the ruflian
owered his voice, "art thou mad?"
"Be that my chance" answered Arnold,
| shall not be likely to meet, even in hell,
companion more brutal than thou-un-
sss, which mean to be the case, thou bear
lie company" aa.
Tonight then it be-" said Mentz,
though my hand is not steady; for wine
nd cigars are no friends to the nerves."
"Dost thou refuse me then?" asked the
outh with sneer. ,s.
"By the mass, no! but tonight is dark,
,e moon is down, the stars are clouded;
nd the wind goes by in heavy gusts and
uffs. hear it even now" NJ
Therefore" J" said the youth, apparently
lore coldly composed as his fierce rival