The Abbeville banner. [volume] (Abbeville, S.C.) 1847-1869, 1859-03-10

blade till the pommel touched the point.
The 1.-the steel sprang back to its place
with a sharp clang, and the texture was
not started. Then he struck the flat of the
blade upon the anvil with great ferce.-
The ring was sharp and clear, and the
weapon remained unharmed.
by ST. MichaeI,' said the gunmaker TO
his boy, Moscow docs not contain another
blade like that. Damascus cever saw a
BETTER
4 think you are right, my MASTER the
boy returned, who had bcheld the trial Of
the blade with unboundcd animation
But he added, could you rot temper a
blade like that9'
Perhaps, if l had the steel. But have
it not. The steel of these two blades came
from India, and was originally one weapon
"a ponderous, two handed affair, belong
ing to Bengal cheftain. The metal pos
sesscs all the hardness of the finest razor,
with the elasticity Of the most subtle spring.
My old master at Toledo gave me these as
a memento. Were I to mention the sum
Of money he was once offered for the lar
gest one, you would hardly credit it,"
After this Ruric gave Paul few direc-
tions about the work, promising to be back
before night. Just then Orsa drove up to
the door.
Ruric was all ready. His mother was
in the kitchen. lie went to her with
smile upon his face. He put his arms
about her and drew her to his bosom.
God bless You, my mother. I shall
come back lie said this and then kissed
her.
lie dared stop to speak no more, but
opened the door and passed out.
'Have you good weapon = asked Orsa,
AS the horse started on.
4 have Ruric said, quietly land one
which has stood more tests than most
swords will bear And after some further
remarks he related the peculiar circum.
stances attending the making of the sword,
and his possession of it.
At length they struck upon the river,
and in half an hour more they reached the
appointed spot. The day was beautiful.
They had been upon the ground but few
minutes when the other party came in sight
around the bend of the river. Tile monk
acas there also.
AS soon as the Count and his second and
surgeon had arrived, and the horses had
been secured, the lieutenant proposed that
they should repair to All old building
which was close at hand.
Aye added Damonof-"Let us have
this business done, for would be back to
dinner. dine with Olga to-day, and a
fair maiden awaits my coming
Notice him not whispered Orsa, who
walked close by Ruric's side. That is one
Of his chief points to get you angry, and
so unhinge your nerves"
Never fear,' answered the gunmaker.
The party halted when they reached tile
interior of the rougl, structure, and the
Count threw off his pelisse and drew his
sword. Rutic followed his example.
'Sir Count the latter said as lie moved
step forward, 'ere we commence this
work wish all present to understand dis
tinctly how stand. You have sought
this quarrel from the first. Without the
least provocation from me you have insult.
ed me most grossly, and this is the climax.
So, before God and man, be the result up
on your own head
'Out, lying knave--'
1Iold,' cried the surgeon, laying his hand
heavily upon the Counts arm. "You
have no right to speak thus, for you lower
yourself when you do it. If you have
come to fight do so honorably."
An angry reply was upon Damonoff's s
lips, but he did not speak it. lie turned
TO his antag gonisf and said,-
will you measure weapons, sir? Mine
may be mite the longest. ! seek no ad-
vantage; and have one hero of the same
length and weight as my own if you wish
it,
4 am we'll satisfied as it - replied Ru.
ric.
Then take your ground. Are you
readyY
Iamr
Tho two swords were crossed in an in
slant. with clear, sharp clang.
Thasa9Eeis is all Of this story that will be
Published 10 our columns. We give this
as sample. The continuation of il from
where it leaves off here can only be found
in the New York Ledger, the great family
paper, for which the most popular writers
in the country contribute, and which is,for
sale in all the stores throughout the city and
country, where papers are sold. Remem.
Der and ask for the New York Ledger Of
March 10, and in it you will get the con
oc sI,o .kS,,.. <s,.~si IA. ?.