Belmont chronicle. [volume] (St. Clairsville, Ohio) 1855-1973, 1856-11-20
Gboite m(isteuanp,
The Ranger in New Orleans.

But a few years ago an immense excite
ment was produced among the excitable and
sight-loving citizehs of New Orleans, by the
appearance of two ranbow-colored Mexican
blankets in their gayest thoroughiares and
places of public amusement. The effect did
not result so much from the siugularity Of
the curious costume; by no means rara avis
IN terris to the good people of the river
Crescent, as from the rich brilliancy of the
article, and the brave looks and demeanor
of the wearers. Indeed, their martial as
pect would have rendered them the object Of
attention in any capital of the civilized or
savage world; for their every gesture, glance.
and motion announced cool seli-possession
and even reckless provess. Their very boot
heels, as they cracked like pistol shots on
the pavement, sounded as a sort of general
defiance and challenge to all mankind.
They consciously felt the soidity Of the
globe beneath their feet, and had no fears
of it's crust breaking through. They appear
ed to claim a sufficient quantity OF air and
sunshine as their birthright, for which they
stood ready to battle against all monopolists
and tyrants until death. One Of them was
a handsome man of ordinary stature, ap-
preaching the meridian of life, with an as.
pect of equal courage, intelligence, and goot
humor; while the other, tall, massive. ant
powerful, could not have seen his twenty
fifth summer. His long yellow hair fell in
waves round his large butsymetrical should
Il hrirht hlna tu,ip l. lod mill
mischievous mirth.
"See how they stare their admiration fol
us, Jack Hays" remarked the youth, laugh
ing, and giving his rainbow radiant shaw
an extra toss, that showed ali its sparkling
tints in the sun-beams; "the girls OF thu
Rue Royal and Charles stree: will dream
abuut our rich blankets for month";
"Lst us wear our gay ornaments with du,
modesty, Ben," replied Hays; 1.-THE Frencl
fops, in this part of the city, are quile fiery
| assure you, and the first thing we kno
may be an insult, knock dowp, and the
inevitable sequel, duel with small sword
rr pistols"
sob, how I should like that!'' exclaime
the young man ardently, as his blue eye
burned like stars; 81 have fought enoug
with English, Irish, Germans indeed, wit
nearb every race, but unfortunately hav
never had an affair with one of the frog
eating nation.
"Yes-and 1 can well vouch for the fac
they are the ugliest customers of all, es
pecially in New Orleans, where many c
sboir nrnfessioraI hu llioc live at least bal
their time, in the shooting gallery an
fencing school," returned the other, serious
y.
"But what is all that compared to tn
practice OF Texan Rangerl" cried Ber
with enthusiastic admiration. 1--WE learn
aim at live Cumsnches instead of paper 6g
ures, and when the bullet strikes, it doe
not wiring the bell, but the death howl
the Indian warrior!"
II would never advises friend OF mine
take an insult tamely," answered Hays,
tranquil, yet determined tones; "but dee
it both folly and inhumanity to provoke &C
which naturally tend to useless and cru
bloodshed."
''Such is my own opinion, too,'' afirmt
the youth, with slight blush; "brt wou
as soon receive blow in the face as CO
temptuous lock, and such has been the fou
dation of all my dozen combats."
"You should first have sought an amic
bic explanation, before proceeding to t
fatal issue," urged the other. "The count
nance OF man is, at best, Difficult: cipher