Lewisburg chronicle. [volume] (Lewisburg, Pa.) 1850-1859, 1859-03-11

she would be unhappy if she knew that a
duel was likely to come OFT between HIM
self and the Count.
After some minutes Of comparative 81
lence, Ruric took leave of Rosalind, aud
was soon in the open court. Here be en-
tered his sledgc, and drove to the barracks
iu the Khitagorod, where he inquired for
Young friend named Orsa, lieutenant OF
the guard. The officer was quickly found,
aud as be met Ruric his salutation was
warm and cordial. After the first friendly
greetings had passed, Ruric remarked, 81
may have meeting with Conrad Count
Damonof. He has sought quarrel-
insulted me most grossly-aimed blow
at my head-aud | knocked him down
You can judge as well as l what the result
will be-" ..
"Mcst surely he will challenge you"
cried the officer excitedly.
$50 l think" resumed Ruric calmly.
And now will you serve me In the
event?'
With Pleasure
And thereupon Ruric related all that
had occurred at the time Of the Count S
visit to his shop, and then took bis leave.
He reached home just as his mother
was spreading the board for dinner He
often went away en- business, and she
thought not of asking him any questions.
On questioning Paul, in the shop, in
the afternoon, RuIic, to his great surprise,
ii. l. hoe hoa
there during his absence, to purchase a
dagger; that he had drawn out of the boy
a minute account of the visit of Urzen and
Damonoff, 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 bis friend, and be took
his leave.
That evening, about eight o'clock, a
sledge drove up to Ruric's door, and young
Orsa entered the house. He called Ruric
aside, aud informed him that the arrange
ments had all been made.
Damonoff is in a hurry" he said,
"and we have appointed the meeting at ten
. clock, to morrow forenoon. 1t will take
place at the bend OF the river just beyond
the Viska ilili.'
"And the weapons?" asked Rure.
"Ssords," returned Orsa. " The
Count wall bring bis owu, and he gives
you the privilege of selecting such an one
as you choose"
:" thank you, Orsa, for your kinaDess
thus far, and you may rest assured chat l
shall be prompt
"SuppOse | call here in the morning
fer you," suggested the visitor.
a should be pleased to have you do so,'
the gunmaker said and thus it was ar
ranged.
On the following morning Rurie was up
betimes, and at the breakfast table not
word of the one all absorbing theme was
uttered. After the meal was finished the
guumaker went out to his shop, and took
down from one of the closets long leath-
ern case, in which were two swords. They
we're Toledo blades, and of most exquisite
work manship and finish. Ruric took out
the heaviest one, which was two edged
weapon, with cross hit of heavily gilded
metal He placed the point upon the
floor, and then, with all his weight he bent
the blade, until the pommel touched the
point. The 1.-THE steel sprang back to its
place with sharp clang, and the texture
was not started Then he struck the fiat
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 gunmaker
to his boy, "Moscow does not contain ano-
ther blade like that. Damascus never saw
a better"
al think you are right, my MASTER"
the boy returned, who had beheld the trial
Of the blade with unbounded admiration.
"But," he added, "could you not temper
a blade like that? ~
Perhaps, if had the steel But
have it not. The steel of these two blades
came from India, and was originally in
one weapon-a ponderous, two handed
affair, belonging to Bengal chieftain.
The metal possessas all the hardness of
the finest razor, with the elasticity Of the
most subtle spring. My old master at To.
ledo gave me these as memeDto. 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
ions 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 He went to her with a
smile upon his face. He put his arms
about her and drew her to his bosom.
"God bless you, my motber.-I shall ,
come back" He said this, and then be
kissed her.
He dared stop to speak no more, but
opened the door and passed out.
Have you good weapon I" asked Or. !
50, as the horse started on.
81 have" Ruric said, quietly; "and
one which has stood more tests than most
swords will bear" And after some fur
Iher remarks he related the peculiar cir.
cumstances attending the making of the
sword, aud his possession of it.
At length they struck upon the river
ind in half an hour more they reached the /
appointed spot. The day was beautiful. |