Belmont chronicle. [volume] (St. Clairsville, Ohio) 1855-1973, 1859-03-10

0uYlng uie uoesnSSs w PeiSho-S e~e6~'l
that he drawn out of the boy a minute ac-
count of the visit of Urzen and Damonof,
and that he seemed to be much pleased with
Ruric's conduct. As they were talking,
Urzen called and presented a challenge from
the Count. Ruric at once referred him to
his friend, and be took his leave.
That evening, about eight O'Clock,
sledge drove up to Rurie's door. and young
(,rsa entered the house. He called Rurie
aside, and informed him that the arrange
ments had sll been made.
"Damonoff is in hurry" he said, "and
we have appointed the meeting at ten O'Clock
Tomorrow forenoon. It will take place at
the bend Of the river just beyond the Viska
HILL"
sand the weaponsr' asked Ruric.
"Swords," returned Ossa. "The Count
will bring his own. aud he gives you the
privilege of selecting such an one as you
chuose.''
81 thank you, Orsa, for your kindness
thus far, and you may rest assured that
shall be prompt"
Suppose call here in the morning for
you'll" suggested the visitor.
II should be pleased to have you do So"
the gunmsker said; and thus il was ar
ranged.
On the following morning Ruric was up
betimes, and al the breakfast table not q
word of the one all.absorb;ng theme was
uttered. After the meal ives finished the
gunmaker went out to his shop, and took
down from one of the closets long leathern
case. in which were two swords. They
were Toledo blades, and Of most exquisite
workmanship and finish. Ruric took out
the heaviest one, which was a two-edged
weapon, with cross hilt of heavy gilded
metal. He pls Ted the point upon the hoor,
and then, with all his weight he bent the
blade till the pommsl touched the point
The 1.-the steel sprang back TO it's place
with sharp clang, and the texture was
not started. Then he struck the fat of the
blade upon the anvil with great force. The
ring was sharp and clear, and the weapon
remained unharmed.
"By St. Michael" said the gunHaker to
his boy, Moscow does Eot contain another
blade like that. Damascus never saw a
better"
al think you are right, my MASTER" the
boy returned, who had beheid the trial OF
the blade with uRbounded admiration.-
"But," he added, "couid you not temper q
blade like that!"
"Perhaps, if had the steel. But have
it not. The steel of these two blades cape
from India, and was originally in one weap.
on--a penderous, two handed affair, be-
longing to a Bengal chieftsin. The metal
possesses all the hardness of the finest
razor, with the elasticity Of the most subtle
spring. Ny old master at Toledo gave me
these as a memento. Were | to mention
the sum of money he was once offered for
the largest 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 mo,ter was in
the kitchen. lie went 10 her with smile
upon his face. He put his arms about
her and drew her 10 his bosom. -
"God bless you, my mother. shull come
back" He said this, and then he kissed
her.
| He dared stop tc speak nc more, but
opened the door and passed out.
"Ha.e you good weapon!" asked Orsa
as the horse started on.
81 have" Ruric said, quietly; sand one
which has stood more tests than mos
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, ant
in half an holr more they reached the ap
pointed spot. The day was beautiful. The.
had been upon the ground but few min
utes when the other party came in sigh
around the bend of the river. The mon
pas there also.
As soon as the Count and his second an,
surgeon had arrived. and the horses ha
been secured, the lieutenant proposed tina
they should repair to an old building whicI
WIS close at hand.
"Aye," added Damonoff "Lat us hav,
this business done, for would be back L
dinner. dine with Olga to-day, and fai
maiden awaits my coming"
"Notice him not" whispered Orsa, VIII
wa liked close by Ruric's side. "That is on
of his chief points when engaged in a
affair of this kind He hopes to get yo
angry, and SO unhinge your nerves."
"Never fear" answered the gunmaker.
The party halted when they reached tn
interior of the cough structure, and tn
Count thrw of his pelisse and drew hi
sword. Ruric followed his example.
"Sir Count" the latter said, as he move
a step forward, "ere we commence thi
work wish all present to understand dis
tinctiy how | staEd. You have sought hi
quarrel from the first. Without the leas
provocation from the you have insulled IN
most grossly, and this is The climax. Sc
before God and man, be the result upun you
own head"
"Out, lying khave-"
"Hoic," cried the surgeon, laying hi
hand heavily upon the Counts arm "Yo
have no right to speak thus. for you lowe
yourself when you do it. if you have cum
to fight, do SO honorably."
An angry reply was upon Damonoff IS lip
bu, he did not speak it. He turned to hi
antagonist and said,-
"Will you measure weapons, sir! Min
may be mite the longest. seek no ad
vantage; and have one here OF tine sam
length and weight as my own if you wis
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