The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1859-03-05


"But you will sign itr' Kissed DamonoH, turning
pale with rage. Here it is-sign. If you would
live, sign!'
Perhaps he cannot wrten suggested Urzen, CON
temptuously.
"fhen he may make his mark!' rejoined the
Count, in the same contemptuous tone.
at might not require much more urging to in.
70 make my mark IN NOT Ola 81 an
teeth now set, and the dark veins upon his brow
starting more plainly out. do you seek quarrel
with me!'
"seek?-I seek what will have. VIII you sign?'
"Once more--no!'
"Then, by heavens, you shall know what it is to
thwart such as me! Hows thatf'
As these words passed from the Counts Ups in
low, Kissing whisper, he aimed blow with his fist
at Rurics head The gunmaker had not dreamed
of such dastarlly act, and he was not prepared
for it; yet he lodged it, and as the Count drew
back. Ruric dealt him blow upon the brow that
ieled him TO the floor like dead OK.
Beware, Stephen Urzen!' he whispered to the
Counts companion, as that individual made move
ment as though he would come forward. 81 am not
myself now, and you are safest where you are"
The man thus addressed viewed the gunmaher
few moments, and he seemed to conclude that he
had better avoid personal encounter.
Conrad DamOnoif slowly rose to his feet, and
gazed into his antagonists face few moments IN
silence. His own face was deathy pale, and his
whole frame quvered.
"Ruric Newell" he said in Kissing, maddened
tone, "you will hear from me. | can overlook your
plebian stock"
And with this he turned away.
paul" said the gunmaker, turning TO his boy
after the men had gone, mot word OF this to my
mother. Be sure"
On the following day, as Rurc was preparing for
breakfast, be saw Olga, the Duke, pass by and
strike on into the BorodiDo road Now, thought
he is the time TO call on Rosaind; and as soon as
he had eaten his breakfast, he prepared for the
visit. he dressed well, and no man in Moscow had
o nobler look when the dust Of toll was removed
from his brow and garb.
He md 1adn nd cfor fa Lore For
the kremlin, within which the Duke resided.
In one of the sumptuously furnished apartments
of the palace OF the Duke of lula sat Rosalind
Vadai. She was a beautiful girl; moulded in per.
feet form, with the full flush Of health and vigor,
and possessing face Of peculiar sweetness and
intelligence. She was only nineteen years of age,
and she had been ten years an orphan. There was
nothing of the aristocrat in her look-nothing
proud, nothing naughty; but gentleness and love
were the true elements of her soul.
"How now, Zenobie" asked Rosalind as her
waiting maid entered.
There is gentleman below who would see
YOU the girl replied.
Then tell him cannot sec him." said Rosalind,
trembling
"But il is Ruric Newell, my mistress"
'Ruric." exclaimed the fair Maiden starting up,
while the rich blood mounted to her brow and tenn
pies. 40, am glad he has come. My prayers are
surely answered. Lead him hither, Zenobie."
The girl departed, and ere long afterwards Ruric
entered the apartment He walked quickly TO
where Rosalind had arisen to her feet and taking
one of her hands in both his own, he pressed
il to his lips. 1t was with difficulty he spoke.
length, and then he received Rosalinds pro-
mise that she would never permit her hand to
be disposed of to another by the Duke of Tula.
Ruric Informed her of the visit of Count Damonoff
to his shop, its purpose and the result. Rosalind
was astonished and alarmed. Still, she could not
believe that the Duke meant to bcstow her hand
upon Damonoff. The Duke owed him money, she
said, and might, perhaps, be playing with the
Count
Ruric started rs new suspicion flashed upon
him. Had the Duke sent Damonof upon that mis-
sion on purpose to get him into quarrel? AYE"
that have taught the sword play, and he knows
that the Count would be no match for me. So he
thinks in this subtle manner to make me an instru-
ment for Riding him OF plague" But the youth
was careful not TO let Rosalind know of this. He
thought she would be unhappy if she knew that
the Count
After some minutes of comparative silence, Ruric
took leave Of Rosalind, and was soon in the open
court. Here he entered his sledge, and then drove
o the barracks in the Kbitagorod, where he in
CURED for young friend named Orsa, a lieutenant
Of the guard. The officer was quickly found, and
and rs he met Ruric his salution was warm and
cordial. After the first friendly greetings had
passed, Rrric remarked 81 may have meeting
with Conrad Count Damonof. He has sought
quarrel-insulted me most grossly-aimed a blow
at my head, and Knocked him down. You can
judge as well as what the result must be-
Most surely he will challenge you" cried the
$50 ] think" resumed Ruric, calmly. "And
now will you serve me in the EVENT."
with pleasure
And thereupon Ruiic related all that had oc-
cured at the time Of the Counts visit to his shop,
and then took his leave.
He reached home inst as his mother was spread
ing the board for dinner. He often went away on
business, and she thought not of asking him any
questions
On questioning Paul, in the shop, in the after
noon, Rurc, to his great SURPRISE learned that the
Black Monk had been there during his absence, to
purchase dagger: that he had drawn out of the
boy minnie account of the visit of Urzen and Da-
monof, and that he seemed to be much pleased
with Rurcs conduct: As they were TALKING IT,
called and presented clall4" % from tho Count
hpl!s- d. oH' relerred him to his friend, and he
took his leave.
up TO Ruric's door and young Orsa entered the
house. He called Ruric aside, and informed him
that the arrangemen had all been made.
"Damonoifis in hurry" he said, and we have
appointed the meeting at ten o'clock tomorrow
forenoon. 1t will take place at the bend Of the
river, just beyond the yiska Hli.'
And the weapons2" asked Ruric.
Swords returned Orsa. "The Count will bring
his own and he 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 Me in the morning for your
Il should be pleased to have you do So" the gun
maker said; and thus it was arranged.
On the following morning Ruric was MP betimes,
and at the breakfast table not word of the all
absorbing theme was uttered. After the meal was
finished the gunmaber went out to his shop and
took down from one Of the closets long leathern
| case, 10 which were two swords. They were To.
| cdo blades and Of the most exquisite workman
ship and finish. Rurc took out the heaviest one,
which a two-edged weapon, with n cross hiit OF
heavily gilded metal. He placed the point Upon
the floor, and then, with all his weight, he bent the
blade till the pomrnel touched the point. The 1.-the
steel sprang back TO SIS place with sharp clanc,
aud the texture was not started. Then he struck
the Eat of the blade upon the anvil with great
force. The ring was sharp and clear, and the
weapon remained unframed.
"By 81. Michael" said the gunmaker to hs boy,
"Moscow does not contain another blade like that
Damascus never saw a better"
II think you are right, my MASTER" the boy
| returned ,.who had beheld the trial of the blade
with nnbounded admiration. But he added
could you not temper blade like that"