The weekly herald. [volume] (Cleveland, Tenn.) 1876-1888, 1878-05-02

diers with bullet. Dupont, however,
was too wise to grant him this advan-
tage, and the swords were still preserv-
ed. The third contest resulted in q
mutual wound, q duel convention
was drawn up between them, which
is still in existence, and runs In this
wise:
l. AS often as NM. Dupont and Four
nier find themselves within thirty
leagues of each other they shall meet
half way between for a duel with
swords.
2. If either of the cOmbatants finds
himself restrained by the exigencies of
the service, the other shall make the
entire journey in order to eject meet
ing.
3. No excuse, except such as may grow
out of the exigencies of the service,
shall be admissible.
This singular compact was executed
In good faith and many curious meetings
strangely brought about, was the result.
One writes to the other upon certain
occasion:
am invited to breakfast with party
of officers at Augsburg, and hearing
that you are In the neighborhoOd would
be obliged by your affording me the
opportunity for another sword thrust.
Truly yours, etc.
Again letter runs in this strain:
Mon AMI; will be passing through
Strasburg on the 3d inst. We will
fight.
In the course Of years one or the other
would be promoted; this destroyed the
equality of rank between them, and
according to French etiquette no duel
could take place. AS soon, however,
as the advancement of the inferior re-
stored the balance Of rank, the contest
was renewed in accordance with the
terms OF the contract. The duel ap
peared likely to last for many years, as
both were experienced swordsmen and
adhered rigidly to the ruling that no
thrust should be made after blood had
been drawn. 1t is related that they
once met very unexpectedly in Swiss
chalet. The fact of its being night
time did not prevent their proceeding
Immediately to their bloody work.
Between the sword thrusts they carried
on the following conversation.
"Parbleu! thought you were in the
interior"
"No, am ordered here"
"Bon We shall be near by. Are you
late arrived"
"This instant"
y Every good to think of me-"
AS he uttered the last words Dupont's
sword grazed Fournier's neck, draw
ing blood, and the fight was over for
while,
Thus continued the feud for fourteen
long years, when Dupont was about to
unite himself in marriage to fair
demoiselle, who, however, made it a
COhulIiOl VI Cucll ullOu tIdI IhC uuCl-
istic engagement should be positively
closed before their nuptials. Thereupon
Dupont sought an Interview with his
enemy, and agreed to finally settle the
dispute with pistols. In order, though,
to obviate the great advantage which
Fournier's skill as marksman afforded
him, Dupont proposed the following.
A friend of mine has pleasant copse
surrounded by high wall; there are
two entrances, one to the north, the
other to the south. Let us each enter
by a separate gate, pistol in hand, and
seek an opportunity to fire.
AS it was proposed was it done. Upon
the appointed day each repaired to the
rendezvous; in few moments they
espied each other, and each darted quick
ly behind a tree. About five minutes
of breathless suspense ensued, when
Dupont closely thrust forth an arm.
A bullet whizzed by, near enough to
take the bark Off tree behind which
he was sheltered. A moment later
Dupont's hat ventured beyond the
friendly barricade. Fournier's second
bullet pierced its crown, but the head
which had planned the ruse remained
uninjured. Dupont now stepped boldly
and triumphantly from his concealment
while his antagonist, throwing down
his now useless pistol, advanced coolly
and undauntedly before him, prepared
to meet the fate which he had dealt to
so many others.
Dupont aimed deliberately at his
heart, stopped and said: 81 have your
life in my hand; give it you on con-
dition that If ever you seek quarrel
with me again shall have the benefit
of two balls before you fire."
The terms were accepted and the
fourteen years of duel were ended,
Keno.