The Elk advocate. [volume] (Ridgway, Elk Co., Pa.) 186?-1868, 1867-05-16


thumb, and holding it there by the me-
dunn finger curved into bow, so as to
act as spring, he took aim at the right
hand Of the man with the gray mor7-
taches. 1t must be said to his credit,
however, that he hesitated for a mo-
ment, a ray of sense e. he'd across his
mind, and he turned round to look at
his friends. But all he saw there was
encouragement by mods and winks and
smiles. 1t was such fun Alas how
many foolish things are done under the
absurd impression that there is some.
thing funny in them
Georges thumb went off the pellet
was shot forth, and killed the fly that
lay on the officers hand.
Superb = calculated his friends, but,
in subdued tones, not to interfere with
the progress of their rich friends exper.
! imenls.
AS to the veteran, he never moved,
but continued to read his paper as if
nothing had happened. Encouraged by
his success, and excited by the applause
of his friends, as also by the attention OF
other spectators who had been attracted
to what was going on, Geooge Benier
took aim at his shoulder, and the second
fly fell victim to his skill. After this
there was no receding. The man in
the buttoned up coat persisted in ignor-
ing the insults upon his person there
was only one fly more to kill to inaugu-
rate the monster punch, and that fly was
stretching out its fore-feet not many in
ches below the formidable gray mousa
taches OFF went the third pellet and
the intrusive insect fell dead. The ex~
pertinent concluded, there was no longer
any cause for silence, and all the guests
united in shouting 'Vive lie Tueur de
mouches
But whilst they we're tn us iubilant
and triumphant, the man in the bu:
toned-up coat had slowly raised, and
STOPPING, he deliberately picked up the
three pellets of bread, which done he
walked over, quite calmly. to where
George sat with his friends. Tie Taught r
now suddenly ceased, and the attention
of the other specta tors became breath
less. Strangers, as we'll as the friends
of the Tueur de mou ches, knew that
matters could not stop there. A pin
might have been heard to fall in the
whole cafe.
The man with the gray moustaches
saluted the company. The salutation
was respectfully returned by George and
his guests. George was a little pale,
but calm. The veteran, extending his
hand, in the palm of which were the
three pellets of bread, was about to
speak. But George, who would not
allow, even for half a second, that it
should be supposed that he would leave
the responsibility on any one but him
self, anticipated him.
1t was |, sir; I shot those pellets
The unknown bowed again.
That is sufficient, sir
So saying, he quietly unbuttoned his
coat, and drew forth card from his
waistcoat pocket.
Monsieur he said, will be good
enough to show me that he is as skill
full with sword as he is with a pellet
of bread
At your orders, sir, replied George,
as he exchanged cards with his adver-
| sary.
Upon the strangers card was gra.
ven Louis Rodet, ex. Captain of Light
Infantry
Next morning at ten tho youbg
soldier Of the TrOcsdero and the veteran
Of Austerlitz and Of Wagram met, ac-
companied each by two friends, in the
Bols de Boulogne. George was a pro-
ficient in sword exercise, but by no
means as much so as the captain.
After few passes he had to give up
the combat, his right arm being pierced
through and through. As the veteran
left the field, he saluted his wounded
and discounted antagonist with great
courtesy - r.....
Till we have the pleasure of meet
ing again, sir he said.
You are really too kind, retorted
George Benier.
And following the old soldier with
his eyes as he took his departure, ac.
companied by two veterans of his own
stamp E
'Ah ca ! he muttered, what does
that animal mean with his pleasure Of
meeting again I? Does he not think one
lesson of politcness sufficient The idea
is anything but reassuring
George Benier had to keep his bed
two months. His wound was severe,
aud be had 20 observe complete repose.
After these two months, third was en-
Joined in his room for conValescence
: 1t was well worth WHILE he said to
himself, to hurry from Spain to claim
my inheritance, aud to have to spend |
three months in suffering and tedium !!
But at length he was free, and happy |
in being able to walk, eat, Iun, and
laugh like everybody else Prosper
Dyonnet remained bis boom companion