Orleans independent standard. [volume] (Irasburgh, Vt.) 1856-1871, 1857-04-03

cable explanation, before proceeding to
fatal issue" urged the other. "The
countenance Of man is, at best, difficult
cipher to read, and very liable to be mis-
translated, even by the best interpreter"
Well, to please you, will be more
cautious on the next occasion" said Ben,
with tinge of malice in his smile.
The companions now sauntered up the
Rue Dauphine, into locality of rather
doubtful reputation for quiet and orderly
conduct; and all the inmates of the hou-
ses swarmed to- the doors and shop-win-
dows to gaze at the Texan strangers, for
such everybody recognized them to be
without hesitation. Hays, however, soon
felt as much surprised as he was annoyed
by the emotions which their presence ev-
erywhere seemed to produce; for most of
the pretty women that they met colored
to the eyes, while several of the bOlder
sex scowled furiously, but for what rea-
son the ranger could not possibly imag-
inc, as he did not observe the sly winks
which Ben, with indiscriminate profusion
dealt in all directions among the crowd.
At length stentorian voice hailed
them from one of the cross streets-"I s
that you, Capt. Hays?-aye, and Ben
Cullum, too? What, boys have you both
just dropped down from the moon"
"How are you. General Henderson ?
How happened you to be here" ex-
7 claimed the friends, simultaneously, as
their old acquaintance advanced, with a
certain air of exilaration, to shake their
hands. The General was lern, bony,
but very athletic man; extremely tall,
indeed-so much so, that he commonly
boasted, after the tenth glass, of having
more daylight under him than any other
hero of the age. His eyes had naturally
the same tint as his hair, and both were
of the purest white, while his arms look
ed long enough to have supported the
sails of windmill. 1t is hard to form a
fitting mental conception of the ludicrous
figure exhibited by this individual when
influenced by liquor, which truly appear
ed to be the proper and normal state of
his nervous system. But to indulge in
laughter at his expense, was a most per-
ilous species Of amusement; 1or' II tne
keen white eyes detected the fact, they
instantly turned red and livid as live
Goals, and the sledge-hammer of hand
was always prompt to strike as the head
of a rattlesnake.
: "What brought you to the Crescent
City at this season of the year, General? ?
inquired Hays.
aOh, myself and old Sam got on
spree at the Supreme Court, and ne be
me hundred dollars that | would no
:. come; and so, here I am" was th'
l characteristic answer.
! "Well, let US go in there and have
drink together" invited the captain, point
inc towards an establishment on the mex
corner.
J, ~Anvwhere else but there" objectet
It Henderson, earnestly.
S "Why not there ?" asked Hays IN as
e constituent.
It Because, that is the favorite resort
a Frehch Bill and his bullies, and the
make it a point--a sort of standing Je;
h to insult every American that enter
Le the door," urged the General.
'e French Bill I think l have hear
st that name before" remarked the CaI
k tain. =,
el "No doubt of that" returned the otl
er; everybody has heard OF the mo
K famous duellist in the South, as dreadf'
is with the pistol as the sword, and the tir
We one Of his nation who ever fought wit
r double-barreled shot-guns, and killed h
e, foe ere he could touch the trigger"
If u Did he not shoot Gel. Marks, of M
> bile?"
he s.Yes and a score of others equal
of valiant as well as skillful; and VIII
re seems still more singular, he has new
at received a scratch in any of his hume
H. ous battles. His friends Believe that
he is charmed against lead and steel, like Il
great Napoleon"
he 4Well, we will find some other place
N, suggested Hays; for l do not wish
rn difficulty with such wild beast"
ler . But for my part, intend to drink
,es that house even if it should be the |;
of cup which l might hope to taste" !" affiri
ed Ben Cullun, with a strange gieam
of his burning blue eye.
ed In vain the General and Captain be
IS +; warmly demonstrated against such u
nj less temerity. To all their argumel
md and entreaties the young man reple
= / would blush to my very bones, a
m never show my face in Texas again, Il
but acted as you propose"