Marshall County Republican., 1867-05-10


there was something so austere and impla-
cable in the veterans looks that the words
stuck in his throat. But Prosper had not
the same reasons as his friend for declining
TO reason upon the matter. ta.a
Monsieur" he said, addressing the cap
tain, "unless you are impelled by motives
of personal hostility, | cannot understand
what interest you can have in exacting
another meeting on the part of NJ George
Benier. The insult was slight you must
admit, and is not your honor satisfied by
the blood already spilts'
But the veteran never wavered in the
infiexible expression which he had assumed,
and, with his eyes fixed on George, he
awaited an answer without vouchsafing
reply to Prosper
"Captain," said the former, seeing there
was no alternative, al do not accept the
words pronounced by my friend. | am
like, and We will fight as much as you
like"
Tomorrow morning,-the same place
and the same hour as before" replied the
captain, who had resumed his most affable
manner
"Be it So" replied George Benier.
with pellets of bread was destined TO entail
vast amount of misery: On the occasion
of this his second encounter, anger and
hatred of his rival impaired double
strength TO his arm, and gave unwOnted
vigor to his thrusts. But it was in vain;
the veteran parried his sword as coolly as
if fencing with foils The struggle lasted
a long time; George became exhausted by
aff nd nd OF IN
fell on the greensward,- the captains
sword had penetrated his chest. To add
to his horror, as he lay fainting from loss
of blood, he heard the old soldier say,
"Adieu. till we meet again"
This time George remained three months
in bed, and another month in his arm chair.
During these long days of suffering and
debility, friendship alone remained faithful
to the poor patient. Love had taken its
flight. The first day that George-whose
life the surgeons had despaircd of for three
long weeks--was allowed to speak, Pros
per felt inclined to avoid him, but George
said,-
"Stay, stay, Who would love me If |
were fool enough to quarrel with your"
Prosper shook his head sorrowfully.
"Alasi" he said, "sickness tries friend
frankly, YOU could not expect"
"That Madame de Belmonte would be-
come my nurse? No; most assuredly /
did not expect that But did she send TO
inquire after me-"
"Yes, for four days consecutively."
"Four days Well, when l get well l
will send her four bracelets. We must not
expect impossibilities"
What most surprised Prosper DyOnnet
was, that as George Bcnier recovered his
health, instead of gaining spirits with i'm
proving health, he seemed to remain anx-
ious and at times sorrowful
what troubles you, George." he in
quired. "The doctor has said that on Sat-
urday you can go out in the carriage, and
yet you seem to experience some secret
grief Is it possible that the memory of
Madame de Belmonte haunts you? She
was not worthy of your love"
George, smiling grimly, replied
Prosper, l am melancholy because am
afraid"
Afraid of whats"
George contented himself with handing
a card to his friend, and buried his face in
his hands.
captain Louis Rodet," exclaimed
Prosper. Fool, idiot that was, Yes,
understand now, my poor George You
need not blush you fear to meet that man
agan, who is more Implacable than if you
had deprived him of honor, fortune, of all
that was dear to him"
"Yes, Prosper, that is what dread. He
has still one pellet to receive satisfaction
for, and he keeps it for the last If l meet
that man again he will kill me-"
Listen, George" said Prosper, taking
seat by his side THAT man is an assas-
sin. / am not soldier and l should have
recourse to other means of getting nd of
so bloodthirsty an antagonist | would
denounce him to the police"
George shuddered.
"No," he said, 81 would never humble
myself to that extent. / have been an
officer, and could not. without branding
myself as a coward, take the step which
you recommend"
"Well, then, George, there is only one
alternative. We must separate"
"Why so?"
Because you must go TO Italy and,
what is more, you must leave this In fort
night. You must remain there six months
or year"