The Ottawa free trader. [volume] (Ottawa, Ill.) 1843-1916, 1874-02-28

of it, He knows how / offended his friend
let him now also know how sligo took hi,
revenge"
The Count then babe me be seated, and
listened with the livelleSt curiosity to the fol-
lowing recital:
II was married five years ago The first
month, the honeymoon, was spent in tins wi
! lage. 1t is to this house that am indebted
for the happicst, rs also for one Of the sad
dest moments Of my life
1--WE were out riding one evening; my
witc's horse became unmanageable; she got
frightened gave me her bride, and set out
homeward on foot | saw upon entering the
stablcyard travelling tclega, and was inform
ed that gentleman, who had refused to give
his name, and had simply said that he had
some business TO transact, and was waiting
for me in the library. 1 entered the room,
and in the twilight saw u man covered with
dust and wearing II long beard. He was
standing by the fireplace, approached him,
trying to recall to mind his features Thou
dOst not recognize me, Count said he, with
| confess / felt my hair stand on end Yes,
it Is l., he continued, the shot remains with
me; | have come to discharge my pistol; art
thou ready| The pistol protrudcd out OF his
side pocket | measured twelve PAGES, and
stood there, in that corner, begging him tOI
fire quickly, before my wife returned. HcI
hcsitated he asked tor lights. Candles were
brought in | shut the door, gave orders that
no one should come in, and again begged
him to fire, lie took out his pistol and pro
cccded TO take ann ....l was counting the
seconds. -. Il thought of her 80. One dreadful
minute passed! Silvio let his ann drop. III
regret said he, that my pistol is not loaded
with chcrry-stOncS. The bullet is heavy |
This appears to me not a duel, but murder; | |
am not accustomed to aim at an unarmcd
man; let Us begin anew; let Us draw lots who !
IS to have the first fire My head swan. ..
[ suppose was not conserving. e. AT last an
other pistol was loaded two bits of paper
we're rolled up; he placed them in the cap | |
lad once shot through; | again drew the
winning number Thou art deviliSh lucky, |
Count he said, with an ironiCal smile can
never forget. | do not understand what pos
tssed me, and by whatever means he forced
ne to 1t. but | tired-and hit that picture
here"
The Count pointed to the perforated pic |
ure his face was crimson; the Countess had |
become whittier than her handkerchief; | |
,ould not suppress an exclamation.
IL fired" the Count went on; and thank |
Tod, missed. Then Silvio Che looked |
eally dreadful at that mOment) Silvio aimed
It me. Suddenly the doors opened, Masha
ushed in, and with scream threw herself
N my neck Her presence restored me to
III my courage. Darling SAID |, don't YOU
ee that we are joking? How frightened you
re! Go and take "a glass of water, and come
Jack to US; | shall introduce an old friend
nd comrade to you Masha still doubted.
Tell me, is what my husband says true:' said
he, turning to the sombre Silvio, is 1t true
hat you are both in fun?' He is always in
un, Countess replied Silvio. Once upon a
me he gave me box on the ear in fun; in
III he shot through this cap; in fun he just
ow missed me; now | have fancy to be in
IN also SO saying he was about to take
i'm 80. before her! Masha threw herself at
is feet. Get up, Masha, for shamen l eX-
laimed, cnraged; and you, sir, will you cease
aering at a poor woman? Are you, or are
on not, going to fire. / am not going to-
nswercd Silylo, L am content | have seen
our hesitation, your timidity. | made you
re at me- | am satisfied. You will remem-
er me. | leave you to your cOnsciencen
lere he was about to take his departure, but,
topping in the doorway, he looked at the
picture, fired his pistol at it, al
lost without taking aim, and disappeared.
~ wife had tainted; the servants dared not
top him, and looked at him with terror; he
'alked out, called the iamshtchik and then
rove off, before had even time to recover
ysel!.
The Count concluded Thus did learn the
lding of story which had so interested me
the commencement did not again meet '
5 hero. 1t was said that at the time of the ! !
volt under Alexander Yepsilanti, Silvio
detachment of the Herterp,
nd was killed in the battle fought before
kulleni.