The Bossier banner. [volume] (Bellevue, Bossier Parish, La.) 1859-1952, 1878-02-28

The proprietor of the establishment, .,
by the commotion, came up at
this moment, and interfered. He be-
sought us to take our differences some
where else, and informed us, besides,
that if we persisted in making his sa-
loon the scene of a duel, he would be
under the necessity of sending for the
police.
During this harangue 1 noticed that
Laroque spoke in an undertone to sew
eral of the students, who Immediately |
posted themselves in front Of the large |
double doors which constituted the only |
entrance to the place At its conclusion
he detained the landlord by the skirts Of
his coat, and thus addressed the specta-
tors of this singular scene, who did not |
number more than twenty-five, our own4
party included. e''' 4
s'Messieurs,' = he said, t'if a gentleman
be insulted, is it not eminently just and
proper that he should demand satisfac-
ton upon the very spot of the afront?"
ayes, yes!" shouted several voices.
aYou see the sentiment of the COM
pany, Landlord" continued Jules
'safter which / trust your good taste
will prevent your calling for the police.
Should you persist in so doing, we will
be under the unpleasant necessity of
gagging you. So make your choice"
The proprietor, seeing no other al
tentative, gracefully acquiesced, and
took chair to witness the proceed
ings.
Now, lads" exclaimed Laroque,
ssno time is to be lost. Delavigne, in
the fencing gallery above, you will find
plenty offoils. Take the two which are
crossed on the eastern wall. They have
no buttons, and will suit our purpose
BETTER Z
Maurice sped away on his mission,
while the rest of the students busted
themselves in closing the window cur
tains to prevent observation from the
neighboring houses, and ,extinguishing
all the gas Jets except two very brilliant
ones in the center of the room, distant
from each other about twelve feet.
Then, still acting under the direction
of Jules Laroque, they gathered round
one of the billiard tables, and lifting it
bodily from the floor, placed it midway
between the two jets. 1t was not until
that moment I comprehended his inten-
ton. They were to fight on the billiard
table.
Maurice by this time had returned
with the foils, which he delivered into
the hands of Laroque, who, after ex-
amining them, offered one to the Count.
But he declined, saying, in low, clear
voice, which every one heard, +" No
Let the Major choose first. l always
give beauty the preference.
The cavalryman ground his teeth,
but said nothing, and having selected
one of the weapons, the other was hand
ed to Count de Vautrin, who, after look
ing at it narrowly, and bending it in
various ways, threw off his coat, and
. whispering a few words to Lemoyne =
, Instructions, probably, in case of the
affair terminating fatally for him
sprang lightly upon the table. The
Major was in position equally as quick !;
and as the two opponents stood con-
fronting each other, l could not help be-
: ing struck at the immense disparity OF
size between them. The soldier was a
tall, powerfully built fellow, certainly
over six feet, with the arm and chest OF
Hercules; while his antagonist was q
t slight, elegantly shaped man of not
more than five feet eight, with a face
that would have been actually effemin.
> ate, had not its softness of expression
8 been redeemed by the firm set of the
f upper lip, and the bold, fearless express
7 sion of the eyes. '''a'
( Gentlemen, are you readyP'' ex-
, claimed Laroque.
[ A sharp. quick ssYes!,' came from
+ their lips simultaneously. .7s Sgs
aThen," said he, " zen garde!" And
: even as he spoke the two blades crossed
with the rapidity of thought, and th'
: contest began.
t There was none of that graceful pre-
e liminary play, so common among
swordsmen for the purpose Of ascertain
/ ing the strong and weak points of al
f adversary; but it was duel to the deatl
: from the first thrust.
t To my mind, the Major seemed tn
t better fencer, handling his weapon as |
. it had been a feather, and trustin!
r hither and thither at all parts OF his op
/ ponent's body, with a fierceness but ra
= pidity which | had never seen surpass
a ed Inarveled, in fact, how they coul'
: be avoided; and they were 7parried ev
: cry one with neatness and addres
: that challenged the admiration Of all.
e The combat had been progressing
r some four or FIVE minutes, when th
0 Major, carried away in the ardor of hi
Z, attempt to break through his antagc
+ nist's guard, for moment threw hin
d self out of position. 5sa9f.fv
d De yautrin, who up to this time ha
been acting principally on the defensive
> now totally changed his tactics and a