The Jasper weekly courier. [volume] (Jasper, Ind.) 1858-1922, 1872-09-20

1 RAtuSiRoA SSICCS va
The fat, red-faced olabber, who it
seems had been awake through the
whole journey, and had been boring a
mild looking gentleman who sat OPP
posite him when he had found me
asleep, got out and followed him.
He pulled out his watch, which
spsrkled most gorgeously as it took the
suns rays, and exclaimed, turning to
me-
"A quarter to four, sir. Half an hour
after time"
| an bet you that it is not" said
gentleman, with very fierce mustaches,
who stood smoking q cigar before the
door Of the low-roosed apartment.
II should know" retorted the little
red-faced man, turning sharply upon
him, "for this is one of Leroy's best
watches. 1t cost two thousand francs. -
'lll bet you ten louis that it is not
one Of Leroy's Watches" said the mus
tached smoker, coolly.
The red-faced man shrugged his
shoulders, and went into the travellers
room, saying TO me
''Dontt dine here. We can do better
at cafe"
AN wager you the value of the watch
that the watch is worth nothing, and if
you win you will receive what you will
not find il worth your while TO take"
said the gentleman with the mustache,
following US.
II did not address my remarks to you,
sir"
.l'll bet you that you did," said the
other, with the most provoking cool
ness.
The little man, amazed by this perse-
Quito" fonched his forehead to signify
that the gentleman with the mustache
was mad.
an bet you don't prove that I'm
mad" said the other.
There was a pause. They looked
like two dogs waiting to be slipped for
fight.
upon my word.- said the red-faced
man, II know nothing of this fellow.
He is a most impudent rascal, whoever
he is: and have good mind to make
him march off,
an make you any bet YOU like you
don't make me march off, exclaimed
the other, pulling his mustache, lard
Ill further bet anything you like that /
make you take the road back TO Paris,
and that. too, without any delay
The little man, whose face wa. now q
deep crimson with rage, blurted out:
"You won't find that a very EASY
matter, for came here to get mar
ried."
"One hundred Napoleons you do not
marry!'
"Sir, you are an impert;nent scoun-
drel. and viii pull your nose
"Tu make you any bet you like you
Inc little man stamped with rage.
He glared around him for some mo-
ments in silence, then exclaimed:
Do you want me to shoot you p
"I'll bet you don't shoe: me -
"Where can We procure pistols ?" ex-
claimed the red-faced man, breathing
short.
"The landlord will accommodate u.s.
answered the other.
peared with a box containing a brace of |
pistols.
had hitherto treated the affair as a
joke, laughing in my sleeve at the red |
faced mans rage, and the others cool |
insolence. But l thought it was now
time to interpose.
"Gentlemen-"
But tine mustached man turned upon
me with . frown.
81 believe this gentleman TO be a
coward, sir" said he, "and if you inter-
fere, shall conclude you are conspir.
ing to prevent him from proving him.
self q coward"
said no more, but followed the two
men to lonely spot in the park, where
the cigar hero was saluted by an officer
Of the garrison, who was willing to be-
come his second.
Having loaded his pistols, we placed
the men. 1t was agreed should give
the signal, which was to throw a Eve
franc piece in the air.
My position was peculiarly disagree
able one. Up to the last moment had
believed that the whole business was
only rather q cruel practical joke on
the part OF the man with the mustache,
and as my curiosity was excited to fol-
low this adventure to its conclusion, |
had volunteered to be the red-faced
mans second; but it seemed now that
one or the other, or both, must be
killed.
"Sir," said the man with the cigar,
turning to me, 81 believe Master
Jacques to be an honest man, tut
though can vouch for his wine, can't
vouch for his pistols. Before that gen.
lleman and i make a target of one an.
other, be SO good as to throw that FIVE
franc piece into the air, to see how my
pistol carries"
did as he desired, and tossed the
money about seven yards high.
heard the report of pistol, and
he piece of money fell indented.