The Jeffersonian. [volume] (Stroudsburg, Pa.) 1853-1911, 1859-03-03

ueuteQa0t Oh tue Suatu' ~ OS'
was quickly found, aud as be met Ruric
his salutation was warm and cordial
After the FIRST friendly greetings had pass
cd. Ruric remarked, may have a meet
ing With Conrad Count Damonof. He
has sought quarrel-ipsulted me most
grossly-aiued blow at my bead-and
knocked him down. You can judge
as we'll as l what the result must be-"
"Most surely be will challenge you"
cried the officer, excitedly.
so think" resumed Ruric, calmly.
"And now will you serve me in the G.
VENT"
"With pleasure"
And thereupon Ruric related all that
had occurred at the time of the Counts
visit to his shop. and then took his leave
He reached home just as his mother
was spreading the board for dinner. He
often went away on business, and she
thought not of asking him any questions
On qucstiosiog Paul, in the shop, in
The afternoon, Ruric, to bis great surprise,
lesrnrd that the Black Monk bad been
there during his absence, to purchase
dagger; that be had drawn out OF the boy
minute account of the visit of Urzeu
and Damonof, and that he seemed to be
much pleased with Ruric's conduct. As
they were talking, Urzen called and pre-
.ented challenge from the Count. Ru-
rio at once referred him to bis friend, aud
be took bis leave.
That evening about eight O'Clock,
slcdge drove up to Ruric's door, and
young 0rss entered the house. He call.
ed Ruric aside, aud informed him that the
arrangements had all been made
"Danouoff is in hurry," be said
"and we hare appointed the meeting at
ten O'Clock to morrow forenoon. 1t will
take place at the bend of the river just
beyond the Viska Hill"
And the weaponsl" asked Ruric.
"Swords," returned Orsa. "The
Count will bring his own, and be gives
you the privilege Of selecting such an one
as you choose"
Il thank you, Orsa, for your kindness
thus far, and you may rest assured that |
shall be prompt"
Suppose | call here in the morning
for your suggested the visitor.
IL should be pleased to have you do
So" the:gunmaker said; and thus it was
arranged.
On the following morning Ruric was
up botines, and at the breakfast table not
word of the all absorbing theme was
uttered. After the meal was finished the
punmaker went out to bis shop, and took
down from one of the closets long
leathern case, in which we're two SWORDS.
They were Toledo blades. and of most
exquisite workmanship and finish. hG-
ric took out the heaviest one, which was
ged weapon, with cross hilt OF
heavily gilded metal. He placed the
point upon the floor, aud then, with all bis
weight be bent the blade till the pommel
touched the point The 1.-the steelsprang
back TO its place with sharp claDg, and
the texture was not started. then be
struck the Aat cf the blade upon tie an
vii with great force. The ring was sharp
and clear, and the weapon remained un-
harmed
"By St Michael" said the gunmaker
to bis hoy, Moscow does not contain an
other blade like that. Damascus neser
saw better"
Il think you are right, my master, "
the boy returned, who had beheld the
trial of the blade with unbouuded admi-
ration. But" be added. could you not
temper blade like that"
perhaps, if l had the steel. Bat
have it not. The steel of these two blades
came from India, and was originally in
oue Weapon-a ponderous, two-hauded
affair, belonging to Bengal chieftan.-
The metal possesses ali the hardness oi
the finest razor, with the elasticity of the
most subtle spring. My old master al
Toledo gave me these as memento.--
Were | to mention the SUN of money be
was once offered for the largest one, you
would hardly credit it."
After this Ruric gave Paul few di
rections about the work, promising to bt
back before night. Just then Orsa drove
up to the door.
Ruric war all ready. His mother wa,
in the kitchen. He went to her With /;
smile upon bis face. He put his arms a
bout her and drew her to bis bosom.
God bless you, my mother.-I shall
come back" He said this, and then be
ki.,ed her.
He dared stop to speak no more, bu'
opened the door and passed out.
"Have you q good weaponl" asked
Orsa, as the horse started on.
81 have" Ruric said, quietly; "aud
one which has stood more tests than mos
swords will bear" And after some fur
tber remarks he related the peculiar cir
eumstances attending the making Of the
sword, and his possession of it.
At length they struck upon the river
aud in half an hour more they reached
the spot. The day was beoutiful. They
had been upon the ground but few min
utes when the other party came in sigh
around the bend Of the river. 1He maonI
ScGS there also.
As soon as the Count and his second
- o.-uooo bad orrivad oDd tba horso,