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

| Ielnt ana q second thrust were fOiIed II
the same way Another feint, converted
into a real attack, was adroi,ly baffied.
The officers eelor rose--the eyes of the
two professors were on hin-his reputa-
| ton and that of his teacher were at
| stake. He changed his tactics Disen-
gasfhg suddenly, he raised his sword
and discharged !; blow at the head with
seemingly irresistible force Ny little
friend could only avert the assault by
receiving the sword on the forte of his
weapon. and dropping low possible /;
SO lar the parry was successful, but the
downward blow, which in reality was
only the ardnt courier, being followed
by thrust under guard, was only par
ried by the rapid use of the left hand,
this time not without mischief, for blood
was seen to flow from the hand called
into requisition. The officer, in maxi ing
this last thrust, owing to the slippery
ground, had given an opening which my
friend, in spite of the previous precau-
ton Of his instructor, prepared to take ad-
vantage Of This circumstance was noticed
by Di Pratt, who frowncd ominously and
muttered between his teeth, eff he break
guard, he is lost-bah bravo! bravo r.
The words of approval were drawn from
him by noticing what had happened
The last thrust, [ have said, brought the
officer just barely within range BY
dexterous movement of the wrist, the
point of my friends sword was drawn
swiftly across the officers chest. The
temper and keenness of the Moorish
weapon were now clearly proved, for the
touch, light as it appeared, laid open
flesh and muscle to the bone, from the
left shoulder sheer across the bust,
causing delugc of blood to flow. The
officer, finding himself severely wounded,
became crimson with rage. Curbing his
passion, he prepared to execute his
favorite maneuvcr, which had always
hitherto proved fatal to his opponents.
lie advanced on my friend land making a
strong cross of bis sword, put forth his
wonderful power Of wrist.
My attention was called off for a
moment to Di Pratt, who drew his hand
kerchief, held it for moment, and sud-
denly dropped it.
Not moment too soon. The officer
had made bis open attack and delivered /
thrust full at the body of my friend,
who. having seen the handkerchief drop,
brought his lett hand again into play. |
This time two fingers fell to the ground |
The next instant a terrific yell assured /
me that something fatal had occurred. |
La rispostc had been given-my friends |
sword was buried deeply in the lower
part of the officers body. The officer,
feeling that his wound was
mortal, seized the sword with one hand,
and shortening his own, made a despcr-
ate lunge, only to be warded off by my
friend quitting hold of his sword and
eap ping back OUT of reach. The force
md thrust carried the officer forward,
md he fell prone, forcing his opponents
sword into his body up to the hilt.
The officer cast one look Of mingled
age and hate at my friend, his last look
IN earth, and as he turned convulsively
IN his back. his eyes closed in death.
The whole party rushed forward The
drew forth the sword, and then
fitted the dead man and placed him
gainst a tree.
It was sight of awe-that form only
few minutes before so instinct with
ife, health, and vital energy, now clod,
With a fearful cash across the body, and
wound sufficient to let out a dozen
ives.
As We stood gazing at the frightful |
pectacle, the two Professors approached
ach other. f
'The ruse was cleverly managed"
aid De Liancourt; how do you name
?"
ssI call it the Coatrc- Gapeche, )" replied
ii Pratt. *
The sneer went home.
My friend had, in the meantime, made
is toilet Having wiped the Professors /
word, and picked up the severed fingers, !
hich he wrapped carefully in the Pro l
sssor's handkerchief, he held out tho 4
ounded hand to the surgeon, who i'm /
lediately put the arm in sling,
Advancing to Di Pratt, my friend d
lid: "Resume your sword, and take my
arnest thanks. Has the pupil satisfied &
is master 7"
/" Entirely" replied Di Pratt aHel
IS saved his own life, and restored the
,putation of his master"
ssThen farewell; I go no more to
[ilan. If I showed myself there, / y
lould have to fight every officer in tho
arrison, and to guard my life against Z
rery saber in the troop. Alden, my =
lend" shaking hands with me; "my
lture communications will be dated =
om Turin"