The south-western. [volume] (Shreveport, La.) 1852-1870, 1867-01-16
/ aanninisoanoa of sixty Years 400.

could have induced them to spend their even
ines anywhere else but at the same coffee
house
We have already said that both were fenc-
ing masters, and, as we suppose, each taught
that branch in which he was most efficient
Hermann the sabre, broad sword or counter
point, and Perdious the small sword or point
The eternal topic between them, discussed
at every meeting and under every crcum-
stance, was necessarily the relative merits OF
their respective branches of the fencing art.
Unfortunately driven by the taunts of 9TH
ers, Perdous undertook to lower, in the esti-
nation Of their hearers, the efficiency Of the
broad sword exercise, declaring that it was
one requiring only brutal force and very
limited amount of science adding at the same
time that although lie thoroughly despised it,
he considered himself equal to the most IA
nous of the professors of the broatsword.
This was so direct a fling at Hermann that
he could not stand, and he met the assertion
by most emphatic and energetic denial.
They soon exchanged words of mutual def
ance, when, as with view to reduce the ris-
ing quarrel to Il simple wager of skill, Her
mann broke out with the following proposition.
to wit That if Perdious would agree, on his
honor, not to use the small sword or point
! game, be would wager twenty dollars to ten.
that be, Hermann, would cut off Pcrdious'
head.
The proposition WAS made in such a cool,
business-like manner, that its honor did not
appear to strike either of the parties or the
spectators, and Perdious, aftera few moments
reflection stretched out his hand to Hermann,
ard accepted the offer.
Hermann suggested that stakeholder
should be appointed and the stakes deposited,
to which Perdous agreed; but the umpire,
once chosen, it turned out that neither of them
had d cent to stake, and this threatened for a
time further progress, when, info, tunately.
their respective pupils, considering themselves
in honor bound to see the question "honora-
bly, settled, two thoughtless youths advanced
the amount required.
All that remained was to settle the condi-
tons OF the encounter, which was done, as
usual in unexpected cases, in writing, duly
signed, sealed, and delivered in duplicate, as
| follows, or nearly So
! "Wbereas, Hermann has offered to Perdi-
Gus bet of $50 to $40 that he, the said Her
mann, would cut off the head Of him, the said
Pcrdous, in a fair, stand-up fight, provided
he, the said Perdious, would conform to Ger
tain conditions, it is hereby agreed that on to-
morrow morning at -, the said parties shall
meet with their respective friends, and such
others as may choose to attend, at the old
backyard, near Marigny's canal to decide
the question.
at is further agreed, that the parties shall
meet with broad swords. and that neither CT
them shall use the point or thrust, but shall
conhne himself to the counter point game, I'M
der the penalty of being ruled out; the fight
to continue until the bet be decided, or either
party agree to forfeit the stakc''
This curious document, after having been
critically examined by the principals, was
signed by them, and their seconds, who, unfor-
tunately, happening TO be young, reckless fell
lows, could not see anything in this beyond a
good joke"
The two adversaries then resumed their
friendly game of dominoes, drank their usual
amount of pony brandies, and parted as usual,
about midnight, with the most cordial wishes
for each others health and prosperity.
During the evening, however, the news
spread like wildfre, that Hermann had en-
gagged to cut off Perdious' head for ten dollars
a side, and that the fight was coming off at
six in the morning. The police, as usual,
took good care to take no notice of it, but to
let their friends at leisure know Of the sport
in store, which they, with sigh, said they
could not conveniently attend.
The spot chosen for the meeting was near
the old canal Marigny, formerly plantation
drain, enlarged afterwards to accommodate
the growing city.
At an early hour, gay crowd was col
lected on and around the ground, discussing
the probable result of the bet. and warmly
taking part each for his favorte
Soon afterwards, the two antagonists, arm
IN arm, were seen to approach, and were
greeted with most uproarious cheers, which
they acknowledged in a courteous manner,
and for time it seemed as if the main object
had been entirely overlooked, and the parties
on the ground were preparing for some great
hunt or picnic.
There was, however, notable difference
between the aspect of the men, Hermann,
like true "Lucifer,' was full of boast and
brag, twisting his gray moustache, and swing
ing 10 and fro on his long, nervous legs, while
Perdlous was more reserved, more guarded, |
and slight nervous trepidation of the mus
cles of his handsome face was clearly pecep- !,
tible.
Finally, the seconds succeeded in clearing
the ground, or al least as much as was at first
necessary, and soon the parties stood face to
face, the advantages of the sun having been
fairly divided, SO that each had it on one side
and neither in 'front.' BY the necessity of the
arrangement, Perdious was placed with his
back to the canal, the banks of which were
little higher than the ground Oh which he
stood, and from which he was separated BY
not more than one acre of clear open ground
The conditions having been read aloud, the
parties were then respectively armed by their
friends, when Hermann, who had slightly
lmbibed in the morning, called to his seconds,
and, as we learnt afterwards, that he knew
full we'll Perdious was no match for him, and
that he did not intend to hurt him, but only
to give him lesson by compelling him to
'break,' or retreat as far as the canal, and
there force him in.
inexperienced as were his seconds, they
strongly demonstrated against such plan,
which almost invariably proves fatal, and had,
but few years before, under similar circum-
stances, and on the very same spot, caused
he death of a celebrated French fencing mas
er much addicted to bullying, who, having
picked up quarrel with French journalist a