The spirit of democracy. [volume] (Woodsfield, Ohio) 1844-1994, 1855-10-24
A French Duel.

| EFeHch Ducs.
The morning was cold and rainy, and
seeing before him q "chalet through
whose windows shone glorious fire, and
whose curious external stairway descended
even to his feet, as if coquetishly inviting
him to share mountain hospitality. Du-
pont did not hesitate to mount to the
door; he found the key in the lock, open.
ed and entered. A man was seated at Q
desk with his back to the door-at tho
noise of the opening Returned his head,
and recognizing the intruder, cried:
"Ah, is it you, Dupont? We will take
turn Immediately" 4
1t was Fournier who thus spoke.
Faith, am ready" said Dupont.
Fournier took his sword from the cor
ner Of the room; they fell into position;
they crossed weapons. All this passed
in a moment-to see recognize, and pro-
woke, and attack each other was as natural
and spontaneous as to breathe. 1t was
only between the passes that they con-
vcrsed.
AZ thought you were employed in the
Interior" said Fournier 20
"The minister gives me the fourth d.
vision" t.T-ks-
Indeed, how fortunate! I command
the cavalry there. So you have just ar
rived ?" 'A
"This instant"
"And thought of me the first thing
how amiable you are!' ~
"No really / did not know you were
here; seeing a fire through these windows
as was about to pass, I stopped to warm
myseif'' aFn
"This exercise will warm you sufa-
GENTLY"
The fight became iercer-Fournier haz-
arded pass, which Dupont taking ad.
vantage of, pushed him SO vigorously that
he was forced to give back step by step.
Dupont advanced steadily within dis
tance, crying:
"Ah! You run! You rHn!' ?
"Not at all. 1 only retreat Do YOU
think am going to let you split me like
q sparrow"
The room is small; 1 shall drive you
to the wall!" s Isse
eve shall see !" <
"See then!" and as Dupont said this,
he pressed Fournier literally into the COR
ner, and his sword piercing the muscles
of Fournier's neck, pinned him to the,
wooden wall like family portrait badly
hung. sssSsz
"The DEVIL" cried the spited general.
/ "You did not expect this!" said Du-
! pont.
"On the contrary, it is you who donot
expect what will happen ?'.sas ssE.essA
| Indeed, what is about to happen,
then ?n ~. .s,-.z .-...-...z-., -
"Why, the moment you draw out your
sword, shall thrust mine into your ston--
ach, and you will fall 2" a7=ss
/ "True," replied Dupont, pressing his
sword with great force into the logs Of
the cottage wall. @
"Well, what the devil are you piercing
the wall for?n as.-z
II am taking precaution against your-
lunge in my stomach" /"
"You cannot avoid it; the moment you,
withdraw, you diew $40
al shall not Withdraw I'll Jo0 Sisfo">
down your sword. , Ia
At is impossible for you to keep your
arm thus strained for ten minutes, It must
drop, and receive my thrust"
you are unreasonable, your blood is
flowing, in ten minutes your eyes will !.
close"
ave shall see"
: 'Very well. ana not impatient. W
"Nor l. Will abide the result!''
This contest would probably have beeni
prolonged to fatal termination, had not
the noise of their dispute at length been
heard by some officers in another part OF
the house, who, coming hastily upon the
scene, separated with much difficulty the
obstinate combatants.
When parted they both claimed the VIC
tory, and finally demanded. with great.
gravity to be placed exactly as they were.
when separated Dupont promising to re-
fix his swore through Fournier's throat
! without increasing the wound.
: They were finally obliged to force the
! latter to bed, and the former out of the
, chalet
~ - 49,