The Forest Republican. [volume] (Tionesta, Pa.) 1869-1952, 1870-11-01

| pOOS ~ was IHOuSntlui huu silenJ.
From time to time, however, saw a
smile cross lips. imagine be under
stood my flow of spirits.
On returning / dined with George
and de B, and afterward, when /
proposed taking box at the Bouffes,
we all went to the theatre together.
The conversation was the same as in
the morning, though even more per.
sonal.
"Your adversary is taller than you" "
said George to me. "You shall retreat
but keep your sword aimed at his body
as much as possible, and if you see an
opening, stretch out your arm, but
don't lunge."
"Bah2" said I, laughing; "let US
have supper, and talk of something
else. Tomorrow will be time enough
for al that. l mean to enjoy my last
night"
That was the fourth or fifth time
that I had spoken of my las night,
last evening, last nner,-allusions Iii
questionable taste.
"You will oblige me by committing no
follies, aud taking yourself off to sleep
early this evening. De B and /
are going to talk awhile with you, and
see you to bed, and tomorrow at ten
shall come for you to go to the fenc-
ing-room. t.,.
demonstrated but to no purpose,
and after the play we all went to my
apartments. We lit cigars, chatted
an hour, and then my friend went
away, leaving me alone, face to face
with myself, and the prospect of the
morrow. f... ..,
Naturally i desired to set my affairs
in order.
Hardly had l begun TO take out the
various papers, bills, inventories, and
letters, when / saw them iap such dis
order that Ipushed them all back pell-
nell into the drawer, without the cour-
age to examine farther.
So / simply wrote short letter, in
the most tender terms, to my mother,
sealed and addressed it carefully, and
left it on my bureau. Then l went to
bed, and, contrary, to my expectations,
was able to sleep. Ny last conscious
thought was this Who knowsif to- NOR
row evening shall seethis chamber
once more? Who knows if I shall ever
again lie down upon thished?
On waking the first thing I saw was
Georges head beside my pillow. In a
second the thought of my first duel
flashed across me, and 1 felt sort OF
oppression at the heart, Then, after
the first hand-clasp, 1 examined his
ress,--black coat, light trowsers,
pearl-gray gloves. was sure he had
Intentionally avoided the lugubrious
toilet common on such occasions. Hc
preceived my impression.
"My dear fellow" said he, at is nc
longer the custom to go to such a meet
ing as to burial it is simple prone
made"
/ I rang for my valet.
"Joseph," said George, bring your
master the stiffest starched shirt you
can find, with a turned-down collar
Then get me his oldest pair Of boots
no matter what"
| Joseph seemed surprised, but return
ed a moment later with the object
designated. George examined tn
shirt with scrupulous care.
"Good. That will do. Now TAX
these boots to the shoemaker, and tel
him to cut off the heels close to tn
sole-like this. Go, and be quick.
/ listened in bewilderment while thi
was passing.
at is important" he explained, emo
to have the heel catch and make ,yol
lose your balance when you are hand
ling sword. Beside, you want you
foot firm, but not pressed too hard. ]
is superb weather. You are reall
, fortunate. You can fight in line
trowsers, which is much the most col
venient dress"
E Decidedly my friend George too
gigantic proportions in my eyes. Will
r out word put on the things h
showed me black coat, black wais
| coat, white linen trousers. A ie
minutes more and we were at the hal
! George appeared very well satisfe
with my fencing. but renewed his r.
!. concentrations of the day before,
which listened with all my ears.
:. "That's it, stick him in the arm I
; you advance,-good d,-caPital Whe
d you quit your adversary's sword to a
:. tack. disengage, aud lunge. below h