The Manchester journal. [volume] (Manchester, Vt.) 1861-current, 1865-07-18

AZ these words he arose from his
seat, and opened a carton, from which
he drew forth a red cap ornamented
with lace and gold tasseI.
The French call that bonnet De
police.
lie put It on bis head, and per-
ceived that il was pierced with ball,
two or three inches above the part
crossing the forehead.
You know, continued SYlvio, re.
placing the cap, that have served
ia the ---- regiment Of Hussars.--
You are familiar with my character,
and know that am accustomed TO be
premier everywhere but ia youth, to
excel was a passion with me. In my
day it was fashionable 10 be a swag-
gerer was the first A species OF
glory was attached TO exlrayagani
drinking. ! surpassed every body,
and drank more than the celebrated
B, Of whom Dayidoff has sung.
Duels were common in our regiment
in which | was either an actor or
spectator. My comrades adored me,
and my superior officers regarded me
as an indispensable evil. Thus | liy-
ed, and TRANQUILITY enjoyed my glory,
when young man, rich, and belong
ing apparently to the first families of
the Empire, entered our regiment
During my whole life | have never
met being whom fortune had bless
ed SO literally. Figure TO yourself
youth, beauty, wit, rash courage,
united in single individual besides
an illustrious name, and immense
wealth; aud yoa can imagine the ia-
vor with which he was received
among US. Dazzed by the renown
of my glory, he sought my friendship,
but ! treated him coldly, and he with.
drew without regret. beheld with
increasing Jealousy his success in the
regiment, and the favor shown him
by the women enraged me to dis
traction. | conceived violent
hatred for the intruder, and sought
quarrel with him; but he an
swered my satire with repartee,
which usually made me ridiculous
lie jested, while | was frantic was
with rage. AT last one day, at a ball
given by a foolish nobleman, saw
my enemy the object Of the attention
of all the ladies, and particularly of
the mistress of the house, who was
en- FalSon with me. Iapproached my
rival, and addressed some impertinent
remarks to him. He flew into pas
sion, and struck ME on the cheek. We |
both Immediately drew our sabres
the ladies swooned; we were separ-
ated but it was decided that before
morning we should fight. | was at
the place of rendezvous with my three
witnesses some time, when the day
commenced breaking. l was burning
for the arrival Of my adversary. The
Summers sun arose in all its glory,
that the day would be
warm. AT last | saw my enemy ap-
preaching on foot, his surtout conceal
ing his sabre; he was accompanied
by a single witness. He advanced,
holding in his hand his bonnet de gar
rsSon filled with cherries. Our sec
onds marked off twelve steps. ! had
the first shot, but the excess of my
anger agtated me to such degree,
that | was not sure of my hand, and,
in order to give myself time to recov-
er, desired to yield my first to my
but he would not consent.
We decided 10 draw lots. AS usual,
ever the tavorite of fortune, the pre-.
paler numero fell TO him. He fired,
and his ball pierced that bonnet which
| have just shown you. 1t was my
turn; his life. at last, was in my
hands. | looked at him savagely, and
tried 10 see some sign Of inquietude in
ais face; he held himself erect await
ng my fire, while he picked out the
largest and ripest cherries from his
'onaet, which he put in his mouth, land
fipped the stones towards me- His
exasperated me. What is
he use, | thought, in taking away
lis life, if he does not care for it at
his moment? An idea occurred to 1
ne. | lowered the pistol. 1t seems
o me. Monsieur, / said, this is an
II chosen hour for you TO die; you
are breakiasting, and do not wish 10
|
You do not disturb me at all,
he replied; fire, | pray
1ou, and put yourself TO no inconven- i
ence. But you can do as you please; {
be shot is yours, and | am always at '
-FOUR service
turned TO the seconds, and de- ]
:lared my intention TO postpone the
hot, so the duel was suspended. | S
eft the service snd fixed my abode r
n this village. Since then not
lay has passed that / have not f
lreamed of my vengeance. And d
low, the time.has arrived
In finishing these words, Sylyio 4
rev from bis pocket the letter be
ad received that morning. Some n
ne his man Of business perhaps !,
ad written to him from Moscow, say :
lg that certain individual was s.
bout to marry very beautiful lady.
You already suspect, added Syl. L
10, who this certain individual is | p
IN going TO Moscow We viii see il, n
ow that he is about to be married, he
IN faaa daofh rsyffh tha cafna sva;0snr "a