Cedar Falls gazette. [volume] (Cedar Falls, Iowa) 1860-1895, 1864-01-08

three days, Rodna, with nail driven thro'
his belly. ..r
So saying, Constantine sprang upon his
horse, which was Of the true Tartar breed,
with tail that swept the ground, and a
name like hurricane. With remarkable
skill, he put tho animal through the most diff.
ficult evolutons, at the same time executing
several parties and thrusts with his lance.
AN readye' cIied the Czarewitsch, coming
up to me. ~
Ready, your highness,' replied; and he
setting spurs to his horse, galloped Off to the
further end Of the avenue.
Surely, all this is joke?' said to Gene
raj Rodna. r. ...
by no meansr was the reply. You niU
either lose yoar tJe, or gain yoar appoint
meHsi Defend yourself as ii you were on a
battle, field
| now saw that matters were taking more
serious turn than had altogether hargained
for. Had considered myself at liberty to
return blow for blow, could have taken my
chance without uneasness; but feeling my
self bound to control, as well as to use, a
keen edged sabre, while exposed TO the shar.
pened lance Of reckless antagonist, the
chances of this imperial diversion were rath-
cr against me. 1t was too late, however, to
draw back. summoned in aid all the cool.
ness and address, possessed, and prepared
to face the Czarewitsch, who had already
reached tho end of the avenue, and turned
his horse about.
In spite of what General Rodna had told
ME, had not rclnquished all hope that Con.
stantine was only jesting but when saw
him bring his lance to the guard, and push
his stced into gallop, became convinced
that had to defend my life. The horse al
vanccd at full speed, and the Czarcwitsch
was crouched down upo, his neck in such q
manner that he was nearly concealed by the
abundant name. could only see the top o.
his head appearing between his chargers
ears. When he reached me, he made APPOINT
at my breast; but parried his thrust, and
bounding on one side, horse and rider, car
ried away by their own impetuosity, passed
by without doing me any injury. When ht
saw that he had missed his aim, the Care
witsch pulled his horse up short with adm
rable dextcrty.
Very good very goodr said hc-'try
again
And without giving me tmo for objection
or remark, he took space for his career, and
after again asking me if was ready, return
ed to the charge with still more fury than tn,
first time; but as before | kept my eyes fix
ed on his, and not enc of his motions escapeC
me- At the decisive moment | parrcd e7
quartz and, by spring to the right, mad,
his second attack as harmless as the prcced
ing one.
At this second failure. the Czarcwitsch ut
tered a howl Of disappointment. lie had en
tered into the spirit Of our tiltng match a.
nrdent!y as If it had been real combat, nn,
had moreover made up his mind that il sho',
terminate in his favor but when | saw hin
retracing his ground for third assault, dc
termincd that it should be the last. Agail
he approached me with whr,wind speed; thi
time, however, instead Of contenting'' myscl
with mere parry, dealt a violent back
handed blow on the pole Of the lance, which
was severed by the stroke, and tho Care
witsch found himself disarmcd
Then, quick as thought, seized the brid
of the horse, and by violent jerk threw hin
or his launches, at the same time placin,
the point of my sabre on the breast Of the ri
der. General Rodna uttered q cry Of alarm
he thought | was going to kill the Crane
Duke. Constantine, doubtless, had the SAM
impression, for the color left his checks 70,
an instant. Stepping pace backward, anC
bowling to the Czarewitsch, | said
Your highness has now seen what ar
able to teach 20 Russian soldiers. and is abb
to judge whether am worthy to become thc
professor
Yes, by my soul you are Never saw
Drawer fellow; and regiment you shall hav
if can get il for you Lead Pulk to the sta
bic, Lubenski,' added he, throwing himsel
off his horse. Now follow ire, Sir French
man.
Then leading the way to his apartments, b.
took up a pen, ard wrote at the foot Of m,
petition:
4 hunbly recommend the petitioner t.
your Imperial Majesty, believing him in eve
ry way worthy OF the favor he solcts.'
Take this paper said he, and give it in
to the Emperor's own hands. Put you il
prison, perhaps; but, mai ,toi! he who risk
nothing can gain nothing. Farewell and
ever you visit Warsaw, come and see me-
bowed and took my leave, delighted will
my success, and no little elated at hayins
passed so well through the ordeal imposed
Upon me by this eccentric and formidabl
parsonage.
AT ten o'clock the following morning,
started for tho Elnperor's present abode, tn
| palace Of Tzargko Sco, determined to wall
! in the gardens until met him, and to risl
! the penalty Of Imprisonment incurred By al
who yentured to present petition to his I'm
perial Majesty.
| My stock Of patience, however was verl
nearly exhausted, when | had waited anl
wandered more than four hours in the palac
gardens, which contain in their vast enclo
surcs, slopes, levels, lakes, forests, grottoes
| pyramids and statues. All these had visit
cd, without perceiving any one but the sen
| tries and a few loungers and | was begin
ming to despair Of meeting him whom cam,
to seek, when the avenue had just entered
was crossed by an officer in undress uniform
who saluted me and continued his promo
made. asked gardeners boy, nj worl
near me. who that very polite officer was.
The Emperor answered he.
| Immediately darted down an alley, which
calculated would traverse the path Alexan
der was following. had scarcely gone
hundred yards, before found myself so nea
his Majesty that paused in some alarm
The Emperor halted for an instant; then see
| ing that respect prevented me from approach
ing him, he advanced towards me, and a
waited his coming, standing uncovered or
the side Of the foot path.
The Emperor limped slightly, owing TO th
| re-opcning Of an accidental wound in the leg
received in one of his journeys to the bank,
of the Don. As he slowly advanced, hat
leisure to observe the great change whici
had taken place in his appearance since tac
seen him in Paris. His countenance, form
erly SO open and cheerful, had now sickly
and nournful expression, and he was cyi
IDENTITY prey to the deepest melancholy. -
Notwithstanding this, hia looks were so be
nevolent that felt rc-assurcd. and, as b,
passed near me, | yentured to address him
Sire I
Put on yonr hat, sir, replied he. 1T is to-
cold to remain bare headed
Seeing that hesitated, from respect, 4
obey him, be seized my hat, clapped il on my