Prescott journal. [volume] (Prescott, Wis.) 1861-1871, 1869-08-06

arms, and holding him as essily as cat
would hold mouse, he backed down the
passage until he came to the open door,
when lifting him high in the air, he pre-
pared to dash him on the marble floor
beneath; a fall that must have resulted
in frightful mutulatiou or instant death.
But his purpose was frustrated by the
spectators, myself among the number,
throwing themselves upon him, and, after
fierce struggle, rescued the little doctor
from his grip. The guard. attracted by
the turmoil made their appearance, and
for the present further hostilities were
impossible. l lost sight of my friend
for a few minutes; he then Iejoined me.
and having lamented the unlucky en-
counter that had Unexpectedly marred
our entertainment, protfered me bis pass
whice | declined, and then solicited me
to return to the cafe and wait for him.
l acceded to his request and having Or
dered claret cup well iced, sat for some
time meditating on the probable issue of
this event.
NY friend at last came into the cafe
and addressing me said: 81 must beg
of you personal favor-to prolong your
stay in Milan week. You have seen
me kicked" looking like demon, yes,
kicked by the hoof of German pig.
You must witness the mode in which |
shall cancel the debt"
81 think you have already pretty well
balanced matters" replied. Ii the
Austrian used his foot, you repaid the
obligation amply by spelling his hand
some face with your fist"
/" The stain OF kick is only effaced
with blood. Everything Is arranged for
meeting next week. 1t can't take
place earlier as the Austrian is still under
arrest for his last duel. To night must
see my old fencing master, Di Pratt;
will you Gomez"
l consented, and accompanied my
friend to the back of the Duomo, where
the sale darnas of the famous professor
was situated, once crowded with students,
but latterly deserted for the rooms of a
rival professor, De Laincourt, teacher of
the Austrian officer, tho fire eater of
Milan.
The hall was hung round with foils,
breast-plates, masks, and all the usual
furniture of place where assaults both
with sharps and blunts were customary.
The professor was tall, gray -whisker-
ed man of martial aspect, with arms
barred TO the elbow, displaying a mass of
muscles seemingly as tough as cat gut.
You are too late, count" said he,
looking at my friend. Play has been
over this hour"
1t is not play; it is something ser.
Gus / come to you about. This way, old
friend, and let me explain"
They retired to distant part of the
room and my friend in few words stat
ed what had occurred. The professors
face wore a look of concern.
"The Austrian will insist on duel
a'outrancs, fear"
envy unalterable determination is that
it shall be so. have week to get up
in my fencing; will you take me in
hand!'
Why como to me? Your challenger
has already killed two of my best pupils,
and brought discredit on my school,
You should rather seek instruction from
my rival, DE Laincourt. his teacher"
prefer to come to you"
81 will teach no more pupils who
throw away their lives by disregarding
my counsels."
promise, on my honor, to obey
them implicitly"
Come, then, you will have to fight
with broadswords. Put on mask and
breastplate, and let me see what you can
do"
Master and pupil being properly at
tired, commenced to play. My friend
exhibited an amount of agility and skill
1 was unprepared for. The master
watched his play closely, contenting him.
self with parrying blows and thrusts de-
livered with much spirit and artistic skill.
The bout was over.
Well, professor, does your old pupil
disgrace you!"
Your play has some pretty things
for the fencing school; they must all be
discarded for such an opponent as the
Austrian. Attend. First discharge
from your eyes all that passion which
enable an adversary to master your in
tentions; next take TO this guard and
keep to it."
The professor threw himself into an
attitude once favorite among Scottish
gentlemen of the sword, but now neg
Iected BY fencers of the modern school.
believe it is termed the hanging guard.
Ny friend initiated the professor.
mot en- quartz, but en- seconde, your
sword hand higher than your head, with
slopingpoint; your left brought in front,
ready to parry. Good! you have now
the surest guard you can use; you make
a strong cross on your opponents sword,
and your parade is more certain. You
have week? We'll, | shall exercise
you only in this guard, and the parades
that flow from il"
Am not to assault"
I" But once; on it will depend the is.
sue of the fight. l will teach you the
mode the last thing. See, your adver-
sary is practiced and skillful; but he
knows only what he has been taught by
his master. One or two tricks of science
Ia osneeially relies upon. / know how