The Anderson intelligencer. [volume] (Anderson Court House, S.C.) 1860-1914, 1877-11-08
of Independent means, good family, and
frst-rate education.

firSt-rate education.
One day, after he had been dining
with me, the conversation turned upon
continental manners, and particularly
upon dueling. AS an illustration of my
adherence of the system, told my COM
panion about poor Paul's death, matter
in which Barton appeared much interest
ed. He asked me good many questions
about the parties concerned, and, after
expressing remarkably strong opinion
to the effect that Laroquiere was black
guard, bid me good night. l went home
to my rooms in the Temple; and next
day, on visiting the Cheshire Cheese,
found no Barton. He had left word with
one of the walters that urgent business
had called him away, but that he hoped
to see me on his return. Weeks passed,
and then months, and still Barton did
not come back; and / confess that | had
begun to forget him altogether, when,
one evening, he dropped into dinner as
though he had not been absent for more
than a day or two
"Where have you been ?" asked, after
had heartily shaken hands with him.
~ have been to Paris" he said. "On
arriving there l found out little more
than YOU told me about Laroquiere, and,
when had thoroughly convinced myself
that ne was the blackguard you painted
him, 1 arranged for series of lessons at
pistol gallery. Every day for month
l went and shot for an hour or two, until
l was so perfect as to be able to nit a
small coin every time at distance of
twenty PAGES. After satisfying myself as
to my proficiency, I took q box at the
opera, it may have been the same box
that you used to have. Laroquiere was
pointed out to me. He sat in the stalls,
and between the acts he left his seat in
order to speak to lady in another part
of the house. descended as quickly as
possible, and took his place. He return
ed, and asked me in an overbearing tone
to move. I refused. He persisted. l
struck him. He sent me a challenge,
and We met upon the same spot, curious
ly enough, where he had killed your
friend, Ferrand. Before the signal was
given, l said M. Laroquiere, listen to
me. I am not here to triAe with you; ;
but l am as generous as you were with
Paul Ferrand. I will shoot you only
where you wish He turned deadly
pale. 'We will see,' he said, whether |
Shall not make you second Ferrand :
Then l will shoot you,' | returned, as
you shot through the heart. 1t
will teach other bullies not to challenge
me- Whether he was so upset as to be
incapable of aiming or not, cannot say !;
but, my dear fellow, I shot him as dead
as dog, right through the heart, and
avenged your friend, at the same time
Kidding Paris of its biggest villain. 1t
was case of diamond cut diamond"
"Well done, Barton!" / exclaimed.
"NVait," he said, "and let me finish the
drama. We managed to keep the matter
very quiet, and before leaving France |
was able to call on Mrs. Rae, who is now
at Boulogne, for 1 had letter of intro
duction to her from Partisan acquaint-
ance. When / saw her first she knew
nothing of the affair, but at last I broke
the intelligence to her and her daughter.
I found Alice to be pretty girl, some
what spoilt by her long mourning, and
not very much inclined to listen to me /;
but, my dear fellow, after three weeks Of
hard persuasion, she gave in, and now
she al 4 her mother are coming over next
week. l believe you were to give Alice
away. When she arrives you shall have
capital opportunity"
"And," 1 added, shaking my friends
hand warmly, II shall be delighted to do
So"