The weekly North-Carolina standard. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 186?-1869, 1869-08-18
SELECTED STORY.
Wy Friends Revenge.

The early dissolution of the English Par
Lament in 1874, by releasing,,me from my
editorial labors, enabled me to accept the
invitation of our Italian special correspond
ent to visit Milan. know nothing OF my
invitor beyond the circumstances, first of
his having been warmly recommended by
parties high in the world of continental pol
itics, and next of his sustaining this recon-
mendation by serious of vigorous articles
full of early information relative to italian
movements revolution was then in pro-
gress-full of unreserved denunciations
against Austrian and priestly domination,
and equally full of hopeful anticipations of
what the appeared to most British politicians
to be mere geographical expression, the
Qualification of Italy," -.
The character of his contributions-fery
martial, uncompromising- led me to ideal
lie the contributor as of Titanic proportions.
My establishment was genuine when saw
that he was 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 liquid-except
pair of dark eyes that occasionally glitter
ed like a rattlesnake's.
A week passed quite pleasantly. My host
though known to me as Dr. Doria, in reality
was one of the old Milanese nobility; the
palazo Di-, in the Corso, was his an
cestral mansion, let out for economical rea-
sons to the Austrian General who comman-
ded at Milan. DR.. Doria, to use an inele-
giant but. expressive phrase, was "back and
edge" italian. Filled with unconcealed as
pirations for his country's speedy emancipa-
ton from foreign yoke, and working siren
uously with his pen to that end, he was
marksman, more especially on account of
his high connections, which, although de-
nuded of their 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 favorate cafe named
Marengo. The dinner was good, the wine
excellent, and my friend, who spoke Eng
lish wonderfully well, opened his heart un-
reservedly, as there was little chance of the
conversation being understood, even should
a spy be lurking within earshot.
After this we went to the magnificent
theatre-La Scala. 1t was more than COM
monty crowded in consequence of new
candidate for the position of prima DONNA
My friends box was on the second tier; we
made our way to 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 officer in the
Austrian uniform, whom Immediately re-
cognized as an officer, great duelist, against
whom my friend entertained rather un-
friendly views. In order to pass it was nee
essary for my friend to touch the officers
elbow, which he did with perfect politeness,
and, Pardon, monsieur, 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
uncommodatingly. My friend made Sec
ond effort, this time attempting with gentle
force to push himself between the officer
and the ballustrade. The officer looked
round supercilously, and pressed his arm
so rudely against my friend as to thrust him
to the wall. My friend, for man just vowed
forever to peace, looking strangely warlike,
made sudden effort, bent down the off.
GERS arm, and passed him rapidly. in doing
which he trod, 1 fear Intentionally, on the
ofhcer's teet a compliment which was return
ed by vigorous kick from the officers
heavy military boots.
The pain and public indignity drew from
my friend sharp wolfsh snarl; indeed for the
moment he resembled nothing so much as a
wolf, with his lips drawn tightly back, and
his cleaning teeth exposed then springing
at his assailant, he clutched his ample whis-
kers with one hand, and with the other buff
teted him on the face repeatedly. The at
tack was executed with such rapidity that
the officer had no time to take measures for
the defence of his person but when the
blows rained on his face, and the blood
flowed, he became perfectly mad with rage.
Stamping furiously, with deep oath, he
seized my friend in his sinewy arms, and
holding him as easily as a cat would hold
a mouse, he backed down the passage until
ne came to the open, when, lifting him high
IN the air, he prepared to dash him on the
marble floor beneath a fall that must have
resulted in frightful mutilation or instant
death. But his purpose was frustrated by
the spectators, myself among the number,
throwing themselves on him, and, after a
nerce struggle, rescued the little doctorfrom
his grip. The guard, attracted by the tur-
hoii, maze their appearance, and for the
present further hostilities were impossible.
lost sight of my friend for few minutes :;
he then rejoined me, and having lamented
the unlucky encounter that had unexpect-
~ married our entertainment, proffered me
ms pass, which declined, and then solic-
tied me to return to the cafe and wait for
INN. acceded to his request, and having
ordered claret cup well iced, sat for some
time meditating on the probable issue of
this event.
My friend at last came into the cafe. and
addressing me said: ST must beg of you
personal favor-to prolong your stay in
Milan for week. You have seen me kick.
ed, looking like demon, " yes, kicked by
the boot of German pig. You must wit,
ness the mode in which l shall cancel the
debt.n ''''
think you have already pretty well
alanced matters" Ireplied. "if the Aus
ian used his foot, you repaid the obliga