The Ottawa free trader. [volume] (Ottawa, Ill.) 1843-1916, 1866-01-06
Military Goxcomb Punished.

ed OF the unhearl of efforts which she had
made to carry on the war against France.
was compelled to reduce her army to pe,cc
footing.
Several officers Ct that power having OBJ.
taincd an unlimited leave of absence, met
very often in Hamburg to enjoy in common
the PLEASURES ct Military idleness. One day
in September, six of them having dined
together, and made more than one libation
to Baeehes, they, at the approach Of night,
Fepa'eed 10 '"> ~ ve:,ts Ii ia B0u,se, one OF the
most noted in the city, and made their entry
in most noisy manner. The Baron de
v, a lieutenant, !uenty-three years OF
age, the youngest Of that joyous band rich,
handsome. and of noble carriage, but fop-
psi, selt-conc cited and insolent, having no
ticeu an individual of small stature, dressed
In black sitting at a table alone, holding in
one hand q newspaper and in the other 8
dong pipe, vino had paid no attention to them
on their arrival, and being offended no doubt
by the Indifference bordering on contempt,
which he exhibited, approached him with the
intention of avenging the fancied insult. To
that effect he laid his hand in familiar
manner on his shoulder, swinging himself
back and forth. and said to him with an
iroulcal smile:
"Ahl good evening, my little school
MASTER" 7 t 4it. E-it :
The man in black raised his eyes, and
sixsj them for two or three seconds on his
interlocutor, then looking again on his paper,
continued to read.
.God bless me, he don't answer. Ah.
WE'LL my drolI fellow, won't you answer me
see that the pipe is the cause, Come, we
must hear yo1r voice
In = second, with a flip, the pipe flew 10
pieces. he laughing loudly the while.
Without puiting down the paper, or show>
ing any symptoms Of being affected by the
insult he turned toward tho counter, and
SAID
"Waiter, anot:er pipe
"That's right. He has at last opened his
mouth
The pipe was lit, and the reading resumed.
"Ah, so What country are you from :?
talents 81
Here Che interrogated raised his head and
looked at him as he whitfield two three
n,outh!uls of smoke, and lowering ms eyes
slowly. he seemed rather willing - give all
his attention to his paper.
Il believe you are some kind of sIrdn.
You appear to learn i.y heart all the news,
so ns to inform your friends and n'iighbors.
But you smoke like Dutchnan. That
confounded ripe causes you too much dis
traction"
And as before the pipe was again broken.
Without making any movement, without
showing the least sign OF emotion, the So
styled schooimaster merely repeated the first
order:
WAITER, another pipe
"What y fine voice little man, you have
the patience Of an angel or the devil. i
X 4
.muse us Gelcious,Y. There --
An old ma jor, with fin. German physi-
oguomv, winch showed we'll OF frankness
true courage and loyalty, who came in with
shem. came up to him, and said. in Z low
voice, but loud enough to be heard by those
near him: ..
"IOu cpmport Yourself like man without
brains. i tell you the game begins to tire
me- and the foolish Eilarity- of our comrades
adds to my inpatience. and hardly covers
the murmur Of Indignation which your con-
duct has provoked in tine minds of those
present. Quit, quit, | tell you! it is now
time ... ....
After saving this lie turned his back to
Kim, and withdrew into an adjacent hall,
whittier he was followed by his companions,
who, by their tiioughtless laughter, covered
his repros ches. Seated around the gaming
table, they began to play. The young lieu
tenant, Judging by the noise produced by his
folly, hat forgotten the insoh. played desper
ateIy. apd wxs winning largely. But an hour
had scarcely elapsed when the man in black
entered the hall OF play, and approaching
him. tapped him on the shoulder, demanding
of aim q privat. interview. The young lieu
teuant. looking at him over his shoulder
laughed in his face.
''Monsieur officer" said the man in black
81 am not schoolmas.er, as you were
pleased to call me, and hope you will no
refuse it; if you do, / know well the mean
to obtain it. Tomorrow. at seven clock,
will wait for you here; arm yourself witt
pistols !! ss7Is .--
Our braggart, who, during this discourse
had risen to his feet, and had alternatel,
become red and pale, gave no response, bu
. bow Of acau.esence, IN the fear no doub
that the emotions of his voice would betra
his complete terror. The man in black So
luted the rest of the company, and imms
Sdiately left the house eEnrE
With him went the gaiety OF the iieutel
ant. He becs me thoughtful and taciiurr
: his spirit was no more with the play, and
i lost al he had even before won. s-
The thoughts of to-mOrrow-that tcrribl
tc.morrow-frightenedh him. How much hi
adversary would have the advantage ovs
him. ---.
Suffering with So much calmness scrie
Of affronts! Proposing a duel with th'
frmress, that assurance, inperturable sa,
Jroid. Bravery and skill we're surely hi
Such were the ideas that crowded bis min
On leaving the hall they separated wit
the promise to meet at the hoCr indicate
At seven o'clock they met the Engiishms
Was already at the rendezvous, clad in Il
brilliant uniform of the Superior officer of Il
navy of his country, coYered with many dec
rations, aud followed by valet richly dresst
who carried a small casket under his arr
He offered them refreshments, and prove
himself TO be high minded and acquaint
with the ways of the world.
At eight o'clock he broke up the sttin
and requested :he Prussian officer 10 be
kind as to designate the place where t
quarrel should be settled, adding that as
was a stranger In the place, he would willii
ly give him the choice.
They then repaired to a vast pastura
which lay between Hamburg and Alto
Arrived there he said:
.''ri-~s distance viii suit you?''
Twenty-Five PAGES"
That is too mnch, Monsieur. You con
ho. hi At that distance. Let Va SAY .sflee
that is enough" 80
TIE wi.:,sss agreed. aud the proposiii
was adopted. M-.nwhie the Najjtr obsery
''s captain thar he d.. ~ -ss9pe