Belmont chronicle. [volume] (St. Clairsville, Ohio) 1855-1973, 1856-08-14
agreed, but have not the title deeds hare

agreed, but have not the title deeds here >
Pen, ink, and paper can supply them.'
Writing materials were brought, and the
Prince engaged in writing to transfer to Sir
James, if he were the winner, the title of
his domain upon the Volga.
The bet was to be decided by ten shots.
They crew lots for the first fire and the
Prince won, and he took his place.
About seventy feet before him were plac.
ed, in circular line, FIVE small cages. twelve
feet apart, each containing pigeon Cords
were attached to the trap.door which losed
the cages, and were Sufficiently long 10
reach the spot where the marksuan stood
which was called the post.
The cords, by the rules of the game, were
to be placed in the hands of the adverse
party, who always stood behind the marks
man; and. while the latter had his ewes in
tently placed upon the cards, his antagonist
was permitted to agitate them, and to feign
to pull before doing SO; thus t was im2os-
sible to foresee on which side the shot was
TO be directed; yet i. was necessary to aim
quickly, for the bird, from its love of liberty
departs instantly, and with an energetic
wing.
You might have heard pin fall upon the
turf when Rally and the prince lad taken
their position, and the signal was given
The cords were agitated, and door frl. on
the left. The Prince turned his weapon in
the direction and fired.
Down. cried distinctly the voice of en
official.
The same stiffness prevailed, when it was
Sir James turn to Ere. The trap fell. The
shot followed instantly.
Down. exclaimed the voice again.
Did you say, Prince, that this estate
borders on the Volga!'
From the balcony of the house you can
see the course OF the riveru
An exclamation was heard.
DO you say it was the same voice.
There are magnificent plantations Of
young trees grouped with infinite art-de.
licious fruits, fine peaches
That is my tavorlte fruit
Down.
The strife continued, with success on both
sides till the sixth shot, when Rally failed.
N ssed.' said the crier
At the eighth trial, the Prince having fail
ed, and Rally succeeded, they were again
equol, and the two sportsmen took a m ment
for repose
The Prince again took his place, fired and
missed. Rally was more fortunate. The
bet was approaching its solution.
WHAT passed then in the souls of the
Prince and Sir James. it was a mystery be-
yond human intuition. To some the ap-
proach of an important event is announced
by low inward voices, to others PRESENT.
ments seem mere folies and chimeras. But
it was remarked that when the Prince took
MS carbshe again, it was without word,
without display, without the naughty look
which was natural to him.
He fred. The bird which had suddenly
flown in straight line, suddenly turned.
"Wounded!" said some.
"Dead!' said others.
"No, no,'' cried several voices.
Every eye, was fixed upon it; but It mount
I'd, its flight became stronger, and it disa2-
'eared, wtile Rally cslmy whistled God
:ave the King
Rally having killed the ninth bird, the
BET was decided by "a single shot, for the
Prince failed again.
The two adversnries were superb at this
moment, each in his fashion; the Prince,
~ his courage, which raised him above his
oss, aud Rally by the deep, concentrated
oy which he felt in thinking ofthe serious
of his success. They extern
led their hands to each ether, and separated
he hest friends IN the world. 1t was but
IN incident OF >portsman life. which might
lave its counterpart tomorrow
Fifteen days passed. the act OF cession,
irst made out in the name of Rally, then
to that of Feodorwitz, wss fully
and sir James quilted Vienna.
He attempted to restore the million OF
'oubles. which was entrusted to him, not
Wishing to, receive price for an action
whose only merit, he said, was success; but
he could not resist the entreaty of the ram
'omed serf. Feodorwitz forced him 10 ac-
,ePt, inscribing upon the pocket book these
words:
"To the free man who has made me free!n