The Abbeville press and banner. [volume] (Abbeville, S.C.) 1869-1924, 1879-09-17

rivals. From the crowd arose the CRY
of "Machete! naachete!" and in prompt
response Don Jesus sprang into the es.
trade and with graceful bow presented
himself to the girl. A slight nod told
him that he too was welcome to the
honor of bestowing his favors, and
drawing his long, glittering blade from
its sheath, he suspended it by its bow ol
purple ribbons from the right shoulder
of the girl, already carrying the sash o1
his rival upon her left. A new pas dt
de,1r now began, carried on as before,
though with many extemporized varia-
tions. Though not word was spoken
the dancers seemed to converse in Ian
guage perfectly understood by them.
selves and those around. 1t was q
singular spectacle to see this young and
beautiful girl dancing with the sash and
sword of her lovers suspended from he1
bare shoulders.
Suddenly strident voice in the crowd
shouted "Bomba!" and the dance was
at an end. The musicians, anxious fol
the safety OF their instruments, hastened
away. The women, too, now that the
dancing was over, took themselves out
of harms way. The two factions, occu-
pying opposite sides of the estrade, clam.
ored for the fight, and the couplet OF
Don Jesus in honor of his mistress at
fection was repeated in cEorus by his
friends. Don Jose answered by saying
that tile heart of Circe belonged only to
him and found no room for vagabond
and false friend. His rival replied in
another recitative, inquiring if he had
sufficient courage to meet him in a fair
fight. Don Jose answered that he would
gladly meet anywhere this base intruder,
this corrupter of NDmen's hearts. Circe,
proud and radiant, Stood in the center OF
the estrade awaiting the final ceremony
with a tranquility which went far to
prove her Indifference to the claim OF
either aspirant. But the pledges were
still to be redeemed, and with practical
eye to the business features Of the play
she waited with extended hand. The
usual fec for each pledge is u silver half
real, but the three gallants. advancing
one after another, filled both her hands
with silver coins, amid the murmurs OF
applause which such prodigality excited.
The estrade was now cleared for the
fight which, among the Jarochos, inc
vitably follows the slightest breach of
honor. The sylvan temple, 80 la.ely the
scene of gayety and pleasure, was con-
verted into gladitorial arena. Into its
midst Don Jesus advanced, and first
tracing a rude circle in the hard beat
sand Of the floor, planted his knife in it's
center. Don Jose promptly followed and
placed his long blade close beside that OF
his rival, while both courteously uncov-
cred. A polite alteration then ensued
as to who should first place his hat upon
his head, each claiming an honor which,
granted by either, would make him the
superior in point Of courtesy. The diff
Guilty was, however, decided by both
contestants covering at the same time.
The spectators were then relegated to the
outside of the estrade, the combatants
placed face to face, and the signal given.
As I have said, among the Jarochos
the smallest point of honor, the most
trivial remark, often furnishes the cause
of bloody and lasting quarrel. These
feuds, moreover, do not cease with the
death of the principals, but descend a
sanguinary legacy to the nearest relative,
often continuing until entire families be-
come extinct, or the slayer atones by an
offering of blood money. But, generally
speaking, the quarrels between jealous
rivals at party are satisfactorily ad-
justed by little blood-letting. the lover
looking more to the honor OF his antag..
onist than to his life. A wounded hand
is the greatest stain upon tbe reputation
of Jarocho; the loss Of life even is not
deemed such a disgrace. Occasionally.
however, the contest is one Of life or
death, and such it seemed to be in this
instance.
The combatants stood each with his
long blade grasped in his right hand,
and with his left hand and arm wrapped
in the folds of his manga by way of
shield. At the word the combat began.
The Jarochos know nothing of scientific
fencing, and rely wholly upon strength
and agility of body. The blows were
furiously given, but were far from dex-
ferrous. On both sides it was only series
of quick thrusts and clumsy parties, of
sudden lunges and hasty retreats: Their
long knives struck one another with me-
tallic clang, or cut the air with a mourntul
sough. But there was ferOcity and de-
termination about the men which resulted
in much bloodshed and mutual hacking of
flesh. They swayed to and fro upon the
floor, the tumultuous crowd closing about
them as they were successfully displaced.
Thus it continued for ten minutes when,
wounded and bleeding. both men came to
the floor and were carried off by their
more intimate followers The rest of the
Jarochos crowded about the drinking
stalls, and as they swallowed deep
draughts OF Catalan brandy, congrat-
ulated themselves on having had SO splen.
did n fiesta as would furnish the subject OF
conversation for weeks to come.