East Saginaw courier. (East Saginaw, Mich.) 1859-18??, 1862-02-11

the entrance of the yard. lie received
us in his usual manner, but did not men
tion a word of the occurrence of the pre-.
ced'ng evening. Three days passed by,
aud the lieutenant was still alive. We
asked one another with astonisbment: l.
il possible that Silvio will not iyhtY-
Silvio did not tight; he conteuted hi,nseli
with q slight explanation, aud made
friends.
The termination Of this quarrel pro
duced an immense effect upon our young
minds. The want Of courage is excused
by young people less than the lack of any
other of those qualities which excite
their admiration for courage they con-
slider the most worthy Of human virtues,
and even psllistion for all possible fall.
ings. However, by degrees, the whole
affair was allowed to pass by, and Silvio
once more acquired his former ascend.
ancy.
For my own part, could no longer
approach him with the same feelings OF
confidence aud pleasure with which had
hitherto done. Naturally of romantic
disposition, |, at first, felt an irresistible
inclination towards this man, whose life
was such a riddle, and whom ] believed
to be the hero of some secret and tragical
tale. He liked me, at least thought so,
for alone was free from the attacks oi
his never-failing sarcasm, aud he often
conversed with me on various subjects
with great freedom aud extraordinary
gaiety. But after that unfortunate eve.
ming, the idea that his honor had been
compromised, aud that he had taken no
steps to retneve it, could not shake off,
and il prevented me from behaving To-
wards him al had formerly none. Silvio
was too keen aud experienced not to oh.
serve the change in my behavior, and also
to guess the cause of it; aud il evidently
vexed and panied him.
The inhabitants of the capital and of
other great cities have no idea of the
many trihing circumstances which pro.
duce an incredible influence on the minds
of those far removed from the more civ
ilized world, as, for instance, the an xiety
and excitement attendant on post days
On Tuesdays ana Fridays, our office was
filled with officers, some expecting let
ters, some money, others newspapers. -
The fortunate recipient of packet oi
these last generally opened it on the
spot, aud communicated the principal
news to an eager audience. The office at
such times presented a picture of the
most enlivening aud exciting character.
Silvio was generally found among us, for
he received his letters through our regi
ment. One day he received a packet;
with the greatest impatience he tore il
open; his eyes beamed with delight "a he
begsn to run over its contents. All the
officers, being engaged in devouring the
contents of their respective letters, did
not observe the influence which Silvio'S
correspondence had produced on him. II
was not long before he drew our atten-
ton by suddenly exclaiming "Sirs, cir.
cu,nstances have rendered my speedy de.
parture necessary. l set off tonight
consequently, l hope you WILL not refuse
to dine with me for the last time. | shall
expect you without fail" said he. turning
to me. With these words, he hastily re
tired, and we, having oil agreed to NEE,
at his house, returned TO our several du
ties.
j arrived at Silvio's at the appointed
hour, and found almost the whole regi
ment assembled. He had already pack e.
mp all his valusbles; there remained
scarcely anything but the bare perforated
walls. We sat down To the Ia bl.. Tn,
host was in extraordinary spirits, and hi,
good humor soon extended itself to al
bis guests. The corks were flying con
tinually, the glasses were frothing an,
kissing necessarily. We drank to hi
success times out of number, aud show
cred over him our good wishes. ,.,..q
It was late in the evening when W,
rose from the table. When Silvio ha,
taken leave of all, and we were preparin,
to depart, he took me by the hand an,
led me aside, aud said quietly: 81 wish {,
speak with pou."
The guests left, and we RENAME,
alone. We sat opposite each other, an,
for long time smoked our pipes in 81
lence. Silvio was much embarrassed
already all traces of his convulsive mer
riment had disappeared. A deadly pale
ness. glistening eyes, and the thick cloud
of smoke issuing from his mouth, CAV
him the appearance Of perfect fend. :
At last SiIvio interrupted the silence
l"Perhaps," he said, eve shall never Sc
each other again. Before We separated
l wished to unburden myself on subjeo
of which the particulars are well know
to you. You have no doubt observes
that | care very little for the opinion q
others; but you love aud respect, and
would be very painful to me to leave o
your mind any wrong impressions as I
my conduct on the occasion, 10 the pal
ticnlars Of which have just referred"
He stopped, and began to fill his pipe
which had gone out Meanwhile, / sa
perfectly silent, with my eyes cast Oh tn
|. ground.
at seemed strange" he continued
"that did not demand satisfaction frot
that drunken, insolent lieutenant, Bodol
You agree that, having by right I'll
choice of weapons, his life was in IN
hands, while / was comparatively fre
from danger. could ascribe my ,noc
erstion to generosity, but ! do not wis