Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1874-07-14
NO. 159!
#isfellaueoiis.
A FIGHT FOR AN APPOINTMENT.

just thirty years ago / arrived at st. Pc
tersburg, with the intention of establish
ing myself as a fencing-master in that cap
ital. Introductions from distinguished in
dividuals of my own country enabled me
to make a friend of Count Alexis w. and
the nObleman interested himself greatly
in my success. Not content with secur-
ing me several pupils, he urged me to pc
tition to the Emperor for the valuable and
honorable appointment Of fencing master
to regiment, and towards the end, gave
me letter of introduction to an aid-de-
camp of the Czarowitsch Constantine. who
was then at the Castle of Strelna, near St.
Petersburg.
The morning after. hired droschki,
and set out for Strelna armed with my
credentials. reached the convent of St.
Serguis, the saint most venerated in Rus
sia after Sir Alexander Nieuski. A few
minutes afterwards / arrived at the castle
and was soon ushered into the apartments
of the Emperor's brother. In one of these
discovered him standing with his back
to a large fire, and distinguished by the
most forbidding countenance ever beheld
He was tapping his boot with riding
whip, and the undried splashes of mud on
his pant aloons indicated that he had but
recently returned from ride or review.
At table near him was Gen. Rodna, pen
in hand, apparently writing at the frince's
dictation.
The door was scarcely closed when the
Cxarowitsch, fixing On me his piercing
eyes, abruptly said
'What is your age?"
''Six and twenty"
"Name?"
"G-"
"You want to be fencing master to
regiment?"
MAY it please your highness, such is
the object of my ambition
Are you frst-rate swordsmanp"
Il have fenced in public several times
since my arrival in st. Petersburg. and
your highness can easily ascertain the op-
pinion of those who were present.
II have heard of you, but you had only
second rate fencers to contend with"
(Which gave them just claims upon my
forbearance, your highness."
"Forbearancc - he repeated with fash
ing eyes, and a scornful curl on his lip;
''but if less considerate, what then ?"
II should have buttoned them ten times
for every twice they touched me, your
highness."
''Ha and could you do that with me?'
THAT would depend on how your i'm
perial majesty might wish to be treated.
If as a prince, it is probable your high
ness would touch me ten times and be
touched twice. But if your highness de-
sired to be treated like any other person,
the ten hits would be achieved by me and
the two by your highness."
''Lubenski!" roared the Czarowitsch,
rubbing his hands. "Lubenski, bring the
foils We shall see, Sir Braggadocio!"
''Is it possible your highness would con-
descend"
my highness orders you to touch me
ten times if you can. Do you want to
back out already Now take this foil and
mask. Guard!''
"Is this your highness' absolute COM
mand ?"
"Yes, yes"
II am ready"
"Ten times" repeated the Prince, as
he attacked me-''ten times. mind you;
less won't do. Ha har'
Notwithstanding the encouragement,
kept merely on the defensive, contenting
myself with parrying his thrusts without
returning them.
''Now then!'' cried he angrily, "what
are you aboute You are playing the fool
with me. Why don't you thrust?"
Your highness ; the respect"
"Confound your respect, sir. Thrust
thrust !"
Observing through his mask that his
cheeks were flushed and his eyes flashing,
| took advantage of the permission q anted
and touched him three times running.
Bravo" cried he. "My turn now. Ha
A hit !! a hit
He touched me. Then l touched him
four times in rapid succession, and was
then touched once.
"Hurrah !" he cried exultingly. Rod
ma, did you see that9 Twice to his
seven"
"Twice to ten, your highness, replied
|, pressing him very hard. Eight, nine,
ten! Now we are quits!"
Good, good" cried the Czarowitsch,
very good! But that's not
all. The small sword-not enough-no
use to cavalry want the sabre. Now,
could you defend yourself on foot against
a mounted lancerp Parry lance thrust
Eh ?"
II think l could, your highness."
Think so! Not sure, eh?"
pardon me, your highness, have no
doubt of 1t"
"Lubenski" again shouted the Prince
The officer appeared.
"a lance and horse Quick ~
But. your highness-l interposed.
''Ha you are afraid ?"
Il am not afraid but your highness /
should experience the same reluctance 10
be the victor or the vanquished."
All nonsense and flattery. First trial
was capital. Now for the second"
AT this moment the officer appeared be-
fore the windows OF the palace leading
horse, and bearing lance in
his hand.
"Now then !" exclaimed Constantine, as
he dashed out of the room and made me q
sign to follow him. 'Give him good
sabre, Lubenski; and now, my English
man, mind yourself"
So saying. the Prince sprang upon his
steed. With great skill he put the animal
through the most difficult evolutions, at