The Manitowoc tribune. [volume] (Manitowoc, Wis.) 1866-1878, 1876-08-17
THREE FATAL DUELS,


de Precy had originated, not even those
who were well acquainted with the his
tory of these two noble French houses
were able to tell. From time immemo-
rial they had inhabited neiohboring
castles, and they were even distant rela-
tiyes but they had always displayed
the most intense hostility toward each
other.
In the politics of the country they had
always espoused different causes. Dur
ing the times of Richelieu the Mont
baissons had been on the side of the
willy, terrible Cardinal, while the Precys
had as eagerly taken the part of the no.
the former had been partisans of Regent
Philippe d Orleans, while the Precys had
been foremost among the adherents of
the Opposition.
King Louis XVI. had conferred the
order of st. Louis upon Jannoy de
Montbaisson, for gallantry on the field
of battle, and the Precys had instantly
declared their dissatisfaction with the
conduct of the royal court, and mani
tested democratic sentiments. One of
them, Veronin de Precy, the eldest of
the three sons of Baron de Prccy, had
soon afterwards said at ball of the no.
bility of Tours, near which magnificent
old city castles Of the two hostile famil-
les were situated, that Mathilda de
Montbaisson, the only daughter of Count
Jannoy de Montbaisson. and a very
charming girl, was dissolute woman,
and that few weeks ago she had given
birth to an iHegitimate child, whose faith
er was a peasant.
When this assertion, which appears to
have been a waDton calumny, reached
the ears of the Montbaissons, the eldest
son of Count Jannoy, Martin Louis,
waylaid the hated slanderer ON the pub
lie promenade of Tours, and, when face
to face with him, he spat upon his coat.
A great many persons, among them some
of the foremost citizens of Tours, wit
messed the scene. Veronin de Precy
staggered back. deadly pale, under the
insult.
''Thst Is for the cur that has been ly-
ing about my sister," Missed out Martin
Louis de Montbaisson, with flashing
eyes.
by my patron saint, cowardly Mont
baisson!" cried Precy, drawing his
sword. "I viii take your worthless life
for this outrage!"
Montbaisson, though somewhat young
er than his antagonist, was q much
stronger man. He seemed to have ex-
pected that Precy would draw his sword
on him. Quick as lightning he drew
from his bosom small whip. Seizing
Precy's collar, he struck him repeatedly
in the face with the whip before Precy
was able to use his sword. Then he
wrested the weapon from Precy's hand
and broke it TO pieces.
At this moment two policemen appear
ed and put an end to the scene.
As they were holding the two infuri-
ated adversaries. they hurled all sorts Of
invectiyes at one another.
ssAh Monsieur de Precy, my Whip
has marked you for life. The house of
Precy has forgotten how to make a
sword !" cried Montbaisson.
cha |" replied Precy, foaming with
rage. ''You shall pay for this, brother
of a wanton and uncle of a peasants
brat !"
The officers took them before the
Lieutenant of Police, but that dignitary
did not venture even to censure the two
young noblemen. He e1acted from them
only the promise not to commit any
more violence on the territory Of the
city.
They then returned to their homes.
At Castle Precy the old Baron and
his sons concurred in Veronin' determi-
nation to send q challenge to mortal
combat to Martin Louis de Montbais-
son.
At the castle of the lstter's father there
was great rejoicing because of the pun
ishment Martin Louis had administered
to Precy. His mother and his sister
embraced him.
''Martin Louis" sobbed the fair Ma
thilde, as she was hanging on his neck,
s'you have avenged me upon my coward
ly slanderer-you, tho noblest of my
brothers"
The family were still assembled in the
large sitting-room at Castle Mont5aisscn
when the Marquis de Cauchet, a young
nobleman living in the neighborhood,
was ushered in. His face was very grave
as he bowed and said:
81 desire to have q private interview
with Martin Louis de Montbaisson.
"Do you wish to see me on your own
behalf, Monsieur Cauchet ?" demanded
Martin Louis.
"No, monsieur" replied the Marquis; /;
81 come to you as the bearer of mes
sage from Veronin de Precy."
sAhl ah :" exclaimed Martin Louis,
while the other members of the family
bent glances of intense suspense upon
the visitor. Monsieur de Cauchet,
you can deliver your message here. I
am desirous that my family should hear
it" - ts
The Marquis hesitated.
s'My message" he said at last, ''is
one hardly fit for the ears of tender la
dies. ''Z - 49, --s---- ~
''We are ready for it, said the old