Watertown republican. [volume] (Watertown, Wis.) 1860-1906, 1869-12-22
0eueral 5ntelLl0enre.
MY FRIEND,S RRYENa4E.

The nearly d1ssolunon OF the Engnsn
Parliament in 184-. by releasing me from
editorial labors, enabled me to accept the
invitation Of our Italian special correspond
ent to visit Milan. Iknew nothing of my
inviter beyond the circumstances, first oi
his having been warmly recommended by
parties high in the world of continental
politics, and next OF his sustaining this re-
commendation by a series of vigorous ar
ticles full OF early information relative tc
italian moyements-the revolution was
then in progress-full of unreserved denun
citation against Austrian and priestly domi
nation, and equally full of hopeful antici
pations of what then appeared to most
British politicians to be mere geographi,
cal expression, the s'unlffcation of Italy,
The character of his contributions
fiery, martial, uncomp promising-led me to
idealise the contributor as of Titanic pro-
portions My astonishment was genuine
when I saw that he was a man of puny
proportions, with nothing in his externals
to lead you to suppose that his veins were
filed with aught but the milk Of human
kindness-I take it for granted there is such
hquid-except pair of dark eyes that
occasionally glittered like rattlesnake s.
A week passed quite pleasantly. My
host, though known to me as Dr.. Doria, IN
reality was one of the old Milanese nobili-
ty; the palazo Di--, in the Corso, was
his ancestral mansion, let out for economi-
cal reasons to the Austrian General who
commanded at Milan. DR.. Doria, to use
an inelegant but expressive phrase; ''was
back and edge" Italian. Filled with I'M
concealed aspirations for his country S
speedy emancipation from foreign yoke,
and working strenously with his pen to
that end, he was marked man, more es-
pecially on account of his high connec-
tions, which, although denuded of heir
once splendid patrimony and power, still
carried certain sway.
My week having ended I prepared to
take leave Of my friend, and invited him
to farewell dinner at his favorite cafe
named Marengo. The dinner was good,
the wine excellent, and my friend, who
spoke English wonderfully well, opened
his heart unreservedly, as there was little
chance of the conversation being under
stood, even should q spy be lurking with
in earshot
After this we went to the magnificent
theatre-La Scala. 1t was more than COM
monty crowded in consequence of a new
candidate for the position of prinaG donna.
Ny friends box was on the second tier we
made our way up the stone staircase with
some difficulty here our further progress
was impeded by the narrow passage being
filled with people, looking for accommoda-
ton, and IN particular by an otficer in the
Austrian uniform, whom l Immediately
recognized as an officer, great duelist,
against whom my friend entertained rather
unfriendly views. In order TO pass, 1t was
necessary for my friend to touch the Off
GERS elbow, which he did with perfect po-
liteness. and Pardon, nlOnSieatr the Italians
and Austrians of the better class usually
spoke French, the only response to which
was by the officer squaring his huge frame
still more unaec0mmodatiAgly My friend
made a second effort, this time attempting
with gentle force TO push himself between
the officer and the ballustrade. The officer
looked round superclliOusly, and pressed
his arm SO rudely against my friend as to
thurst him against the wall. Ny friend,
for man just vowed for ever to peace,
looking strangely Earlike, made a sudden
effort, bent down the officers arm, and
passed him rapidly, in doing which he
trod, [ fear Intentionally, on the officers
feet, compliment which was returned by
a vigorous kick from the officers heavy mil
itary boot.
The pain and public indignity, drew
from my friend a sharp wolish snail ; IN
deed, for the moment he resembled moth
ing so much as a wolf, with his lips drawn
tightly back, and his cleaning teeth ex-
posed, then springing at his assailant, he
clutched his ample whiskers with one
hand and with the other buffetted him on
the face repeatedly. The attack was exc
cated with such rapidity that the officer
had no time to take measures for the de-
fence of his person but when the blows
rained on his face, and the blood flowed,
he became perfectly mad with rage.
Stamping furiously, with a deep oath he
seized my friend in his sinewy arms, and
and holding him as easily as a cat would
hold q mouse, he backed down the passage
until he came to the open. when lifting
him high in the air, he prepared to dash
him on the marble floor beneath fall
that must have resulted in frightful mutil&-
ton or instant death. But his purpose
was frustrated by the spectators, myself
among the number throwing themselves
on him, and, after fierce struggle, rescued
the little doctor from his grip. The guard
attracted ly the turmoil, made their ap-
pearance, and for the present further hos
tilities were impossible. I lost sight
of my friend for few minutes he then re-
joined me, and having lamented the un-
lucky encounter that had unexpectedly
marred our entertainment, profered me
bis pass, which l declined and then solic-
tied me to return to the cafe and wait for
him. I acceeded his request and having
ordered claret cup well iced, sat for some
time meditating on the probable issue OF
this event.
Nv friend at last came into the cafe, and
addressing me, said g 1 must beg of you
a personal favor-to prolong your stay in
Milan q week You have seen me kick
ed, looking like demon, eyes, kicked
by the hoof Of a German pig. You must
witness the mode in which | shall cancel
the debt
Il think you have already pretty we'll
balanced matters, [ replied. "If the
Austrian used his foot, you repaid the OBJ
legation amply by spelling his handsome
face with your fist.
- The stain of kick is only efaced with
blood. Every thing is arranged for meet
ing next week. 1t can't take place earlier
as the Austrian is still under arrest for his
last duel Tonight must see my old fenc-
ing master, Di Pratt will you Gomez"
Ieonsented and accompanied my friend
to the back of the Dunno, where the sale
d'arms of the famous professor was situat-
ed, once crowded with students, but latter
ly deserted for the rooms of a rival profess
or, De Liancourt, teacher of the Austrian
officer, the fre-eater of Milan.
The hall was hung round with foils, breast
plates, masks, and all the usual furniture of
a place where assaults both with sharps
ana blunts were customary.
The professor was tall, grey-whiskered
man Of martial aspect, with arms barred to
the elbow, displaying a mass of muscles
seemingly as tough as catgut.
You are too late, count, " said he, look
ing at my friend, "Play has been over this
1T is not play; it is something serious
T have come to you about. This way, old
friend. and let me explain.
They retired to distant part OF the
room and nay friend, IN few words stated
what had occurred.
The professors face wore look Of con
Germ.
fThe Austrian viii insist on due
a'oadrGnce fear.
MY unalterable determination is thai
1t shall be SO, have week to get up IL
nv fenoine.. will Won talka me in hand =