The Alleghanian. [volume] (Ebensburg, Pa.) 1859-1865, 1861-02-14

the combatants, opposed the lieutenant
firing first, saying:
1.-The usage of the country gives the of
Tended the first shot; and for the second,
chance will decide.
"Ah, my dear Major" replied the cap
tain, ''if [ complied with your advice,
Monsieur would not have the pleasure to
use his pistol on a man; and [ am certain
that, judging from his appearance, he has
never been tempted to seriously promise
himself that enjoyment Therefore, let
come what may, nevertheless, L will that
these gentlemen, who enjoyed themselves
at my expense yesterday, and instead Of
hindering their comrade from being guilty
of such folly, only laughed at my distress,
shall, enc after the other, gaze into the
interior of my pistol.
"Monsieur, aim accurate. Woe unto
you il you miss me, for will not miss you
you will cease to existD'
They insisted no longer. The lieuten-
ant aimed, and the captain cried:
at is too high"
The explosion was heard, the bullet
grazing the top of his head
"My turn now, young extravagant =
| Yesterday / was, tor. one hour, the play
| thing OF your rallerles-your sarcasms.-
| Without motive you insulted me; mocked
and cursed me with humiliation. [ was
| droll fellow-a little schoolmaster. Who
am l to-day? A man! And who are you?
4 wretch. a miserable poltroon trembling
with fear. Death, which in an instant
you will receive from my hand, enc'rcles
YOU with her shadows; already her icy
hand is stretched over youl Your lips
are blanched with fear, your eyes troubled,
your face is pale as the sheet which viii
in few hours enshroud you. Your limbs
refuse to support you. Insolence and
cowardice always go hand in hand; that
is all we can expect OF one Of your stamp.
But before sending you to the other world,
tell me: haze you made all disposition for
leaving this? Have you not parting
soaccni.r to give to mother, father, sister.
brother, or one who is dear to you? | have
here writing desk, and / will accord to
you the few moments necessary for that
purpose"
A .'thank you, sir" very humble and
hardly intelligible, was all that could be
heard.
''In that case" said the captain, ''if all
reconciliation between US here below is
impossible, and if your blood alone can
wash out the affront ! have received, I'M
plore, at least, By short and fervent
prayer, the goodness and elemency of the
Almighty"
Then the lieutenant, taking his hat off,
cast look at the mute and terrified wit
nesses of this imposing scene, who all,
with one accord spontaneously uncovered
their heads. During a moment, there
reigned in that group solemn and relig-
ious silence, which was not broken. save
by the respiration Of those assembled.
At lene tn, taking up his pistol and
pointing it with resolution toward his op-
ponent, he made him suffer for another
minute, the most intense agony. But all
at once, as if by effect Of sudden reflection
he turned himself quickly towards his
valet, and gave him the pistol, saying with
the gesture, accent and smile of hatred:
"Here, take this pistol: that officer is
not worthy of English gunpowdcr "
The next day the Baron de v dis
appeared from the country and his regi
ment never saw him more.