The Albany register. [volume] (Albany, Or.) 1868-18??, 1869-12-25
SERVED OUT.

our lucas py SucceSSiou OI COiQ-DlOOO-
ed murders, committed under the sane
ton of what the people were pleased to
call the Code Of Honor. This was GER
tain Comte de ", man of great
physical strength, imperturbable sanqfroiiid
and relentless cruelty. Not bad sort of
companion, as some said, when the fit
the dueling 6t-was not on him but
this came on once in about every six
months, and then he must have blood, it
mattered little whose He had killed
and manned boys of sixteen, fathers of
families, military officers, journalists, ad-
vocates, peaceful country gentlemen.
The cause of quarrel was of no i'm
portance if one did not present itself
readily, he made one always contriving
that, according to the code aforesaid, he
should be tho insulted party, thus having
the choice of weapons and he was dead
ly with the small sword. 1t is difficult
for US to realize state of society iu
which such wild beast could be permit
ted to go at large; but we know it to be
historically true that such creatures were
endured in France just as we are as
sured that there were at one time wolves
in Yorkshire, only the less noisome ver-
min had harder time as civilization
progressed than was dealt out to the hu-
man brute
The latest exploit of the Comte de
v previous to the story l am about
to tell, was to goad poor young student
into challenge; and when it was rep
resented to him that the boy had never
held sword in his life, so that it would
be fairer to use pistols, he replied that
f'fools sometimes make mistakes with pis-
tols," and the next morning ran him
through the lungs. The evil fit was on
him, but the blood thus shed quieted
him for another half year, and rather
more, for public opinion was unfavorable,
and the air of Bordeaux became too
warm for him.
But the scandal blew over after time,
and he came back to his old haunts, one
of which was cafe by the river side,
where many used to spend their Sunday.
Into the little garden of this establish
ment our wolf staggered one fine sum-
mer afternoon, with the heavy dark look
and nervous twitching of the hands
which those who were acquainted with
him knew. well meant mischief The
evil fit was on him consequently he
found himself the center of circle
which expanded as he went on. This
did not displease him. He liked to be
feared. He knew he could make u quar-
rel when he chose, so he looked aroune
for victim.
At table almost in the middle of the
garden sat man Of about thirty years O
age, of middle height, and an expression
of countenauce which at first struck ons
as mild and good humored. He was en-
gagged reading journal which seemed t,
interest him, and eating strawberries, al
occupation which does not call forth an,
latent strength of character. Above all
he was profoundly unconscious of tn,
presence of NJ lie Comte de V, ant
continued eating his Strawberries ant
reading his paper as though no wolf wer,
in that pleasant fold.
As the Count approached this table, i
become sufficiently well known whom h,
was going to honor with his insolence
and the circle narrowed again to see th'
play. 1t is not bad sport, with some o
US, to see fellow creature baited-espe
cially when we are out of danger our
selves.
The strawberries costume wa
not such as was ordinarily worn in Franc
at that time, and he had curious hat
which-the weather being warm-h
had placed on the table by his side. "H
, is foreigner" whispered some in th
dress-circle. perhaps he does not kno,
Monsieur le Comte."
Monsieur le Comte seated himself q
the table opposite the unconscious strau
n
"Gargon," he said, when that fune
tionary appeared, "mke away that mast
thingw pointing to the hat aforesaid.
Now the strangers elbow, as he rea
: his journal, was on the brim of th
"nasty thing" which was very goo
: hat, but of British form and make. Th
garcon was embarrassed
ssDo you hear me 2" thundcred til
Count. s'Take me that thing away! N
ohe has right to place his hat on th
table"
| 81 beg your pardon, said the straw
berry eater, politely, placing the offene
ing article on his head, and drawing h
chair little aside; 81 will make rool
for Monsieur"
| The garcon was about to retire we
odelSnco, WuCu tuc UuiiJ CdAIeu u lteE htui-
"Have [ not commanded you to tax
that thing which annoys me away 2"
"But, Monsieur le Comte, the gentle
man has covered himself"
s'What does it matter to me ?"
9 "But, Monsieur le Comte, it is impo
! sible"
What is impossible ?''
9That / should take the gentleman
hat"
: by no MEANS" observed the strange
uncovering again. fsBe so good as
carry my hat to the lady at the counte
: aud ask her, on my behalf, to do me tt
e favor to accept charge of it for the pre-
@ ent."
ssYou speak French passably well for
foreigner" said the bully, stretching b
4 arms over the table and looking his neigl
! Dor full in the face---a litter Of contem]
: going round the circle.
II am not q foreigner, Monsieur"
L. 4