St. Johnsbury Caledonian. [volume] (St. Johnsbury, Vt.) 1867-1919, 1878-02-15

matter in which Barton appeared much
interested. He asked me good many
questions about the parties concerned,
and after expressing a remarkably
strong opinion to the effect that Laro-
quiere was blackguard, bid me good
night. l went home to my rooms in
the Temple and the 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 1 confess that l
had begun to forget him altogether,
when one evening he dropped in to
dinner as though he had not been alb
sent for more than day or two.
"Where have you been 2" asked,
after had heartily shaken hands with
him.
81 have been to Paris," he said. ''On
arriving there | found out little more
than you told me about Laroquiere,
and, when l had thoroughly convinced
myself that he was the blackguard you
painted him, l arranged for series OF
lessons at the pistol-gallery. Every
day for IA month went aud shot for all
hour OF two, until was so perfect as to
be able to hit small coin every time
at distance of 20 PAGES. After salts
flying myself as to my proficiency,
took box at the opera it may have
been the same box that you used to
have. LaIoquiere was pointed out to
me. He sat in the stalls, and between
the acts he left his seat i'll order to
speak to lady in another part of the
house. l descended as quickly as pos
sible and took his place. He returned,
and asked me in an Over-bearing tone
to move. | refused. He persisted.
struck him. He sent me IA challenge,
and we met upon the same spot, curl
ously enough, where he had killed youl
friend, Ferrand. Before the signal was
given l said: M Laroquiere, listen to
me. l am not here to tIifle with you
but am as generous as you were with
Paul Ferrand. will shoot you only
where you wish.' He turned deadly
pale. 'We will see,' he said, whether
| shall not make you second FeIrand! !!
Then | will shoot you,' L returned, 'as
you shot him-tlIrough 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, shot him
as dead as u dog, right though 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.
wait" he said, land let me fnisl
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, foI had a let
ter of introduction to her from Paris
ian acquaintance. When | saw her frs
she knew nothing of the affair, but a
last | broke the intelligence to her an(
to her daughter. | found Alice to be ;
pretty girl, somewhat spoiled by he
long mourning, and not very much in
clined to listen to me but, my dea
fellow, after three weeks of hard per
suasion, she gave in, and now she anC
her mother are coming over next week
| believe you were to give Alice away
When she arrives you shall have Il cap
ital opportunity"
"And," added, shaking my friend
hand warmly, Il shall be delighted t.
do So"