The Albany register. [volume] (Albany, Or.) 1868-18??, 1869-09-25

} usually fatal move. BY sheer strength
of wrist he presses his opponents swort
firmly aside, SO as to nuke an opcning
then, by feint and turn of the wrist, hi
delivers blow, which, if it goes home
all is over. You must wait patiently fol
this when the thrust is given, parT,
with your left, and then see-la rlsposte
not delivering the stab upward, for il
that case the bones and muscles Of the
chest may weaken it, but downward
where the point will only meet with the
softer parts. It is ON the play from the
rixpaste that your life depends"
"Apd now for your weapon" said the
Professor, OF ening closet aud producing
a sword II have the measure of the
Austrian's sword. This one is the exact
length"
The sword, at cursory glance, looked
very unpromising weapon to defend a
mans life. My friend evidently thought
so, for he examined it with dismayed
look
"Why," said he, ''it's hardly more
than lark split. The Austrian uses a
Konigsberg blade, double the width and
weight of this toy
IL know it; but this toy, as you term
it," surveying the weapon fondIy from
| heel to point, "has qualities that,in proper
hands, will prove more than match for
| the best sword ever forged in Germany.
| 1t is real Seville blade-nothing better
in the world. See," placing it length
wise on his finger, " how admirably it is
balanced notice the hilt, close barred
aud crossed--no fear of wounds on the
IL
large nail on which breast-plates were
hung. "Look again pressing the point
agant the wall until it met the hilt !;
then, releasing the weapon, the blade
instanaly returned to its normal condi-
tion. sAnd this last" striking the
blade fat on an iron anvil, with all his
force, s'there, that alone is a test which |
defy even the famous Konigsberg sword
to undergo. Enough for this light
Come early to morrow for your lesson"
When we quilted the Professor, the
doctor obtained from me a promise that
l would not leave Milan until the result
Of the da-l was determined, and that
would accompany him to the field.
We were about to part one night,
when he said quietly: To morrow
morning, at five o'clock, two carriages
will be at the ramparts, one foy myself
and second, and the other for the sur
geon and master, Di Pratt. You will
pass muster as surgeon. Let me entreat
you to make no objection the details
have already been finally arranged. My
opponent is provided in similar way
he and his second in one carriage, and
Dc Liancourt and real surgeon in the
other"
At FIVE o'clock found myselft in the
carriage with Professor Di Pratt.
The place of combat was to be near
Monga-just beyond the Milan territory
there were reasons for this which need
not be particularized.
The morning was cold and cherries,
and when we alighted, which was in |
about two hours, the day had not bright
ened. All parties got out of their car
riages, and the foes saluted each other |
briefly. / noticed the murderous look in |
the Austrian's eyes, and gavo up my
friend for lost. Without word being
spoken, we walked on until we came to
an open space, smooth, but slippery with |
the morning dew. This was the spot Sc
lected by the two seconds, who, appar-
emily accustomed to such scenes, went
about their duties in a steady, business
like manner.
Professor Di Pratt, who had brought
the sword with him, as he handed it to
my friend, whispered: Remember
when drop my handkerchief-za ris-
poste."
The Austrian officer diseneumbered
himself of his cloak and all of his upper
clothing, leaving his bust uncovered.
never saw so fine form. Perfectly pro-
Dortioned on the largest scale, he stood
upwards of six feet high; chest, arms
md back pillowy with muscle skin as
White as that of the fairest lady.
My friend, seeing the fighting costume
ldoptcd by the officer, threw off his black
ilk vest, as if resolving that he would
lot even have questionable advantage.
n size, he looked mere dwarf to his
lthletic opponent; long, thin, wiry arms, |
hest narrow, skin almost as dark as
nulatto's, and with grayish tinge, ]
ither the effect of cold or fear, that, to | ,
ny eyes, appeared to be the forerunner
f DOOM.
The seconds having laid down the {
words, with the hilts toward each COM |
,atant, retired and gave the signal E
The duelists picked up the swords, my /
riend at once betaking himself to the
ew gaard- II
The officer for . nement looked with
q air of surprise at the attitude, but
My for moment. With grim smile,
D which somethiDg Of contempt was !
sixed, he made his advance, and crossed ]
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