The Russellville Democrat., 1880-11-18

the honor of being known to you count?'
 "Perfecty. Did he ever tell you a strange adventure that happened tc him?"
 "A blow that he received at soiree?'
 Did he ever tell you the name of the man?"
 ssNo, Count, he did not tell me. Ah!' 1 exclaimed, guessing the truth; excuse me, can it have been, you, Count?"
 Myself replied the count, with an air of confusion. land that picture with a hole in 1t IS souvenir of our last in terview.n
 "Ahl my friend, do not speak of that, said the countess, Tit terrifies me still" the affair to the gentleman; ne knows how had the misfortune to insult his friend, it is just that he should know how he avenged himself"
 The count drew up 8 chair, and l listened with the most lively curiosity to the following narrative.
 Il was married five years ago. The first month, the honeymoon, 1 passed here in the chateau. One night as we went out riding; my wife's horse became restive; she dismounted and returned to the chateau on foot, while led her horse. At the door found travelling carriage. I was informed that man who had rafused to give his name was waiting for me in my cabinet. 1 entered, and in the twilight saw man with a long beard and covered with dust stand ing up before the chimney-piece. ap- preached trying to recollect his features. It was Silvino. I avow that thought I felt my hair standing on end.
 "'Sllviop cried. Quite so.' he said, sand it is my turn to shoot. have come to fire my pistol. Are you readyT saw a pistol Tn his side pocket. I measured twelve paces and went to place myself in that corner there, and begged him to shoot quickly before my wife came. He refused, and asked for some light. Some candles were brought in. I shut the door, gave orders that no one should be allowed to enter, and again summoned him to fire. He raised his pistol and took aim-I counted the seconds-l thought of her-It was ter ribIe moment. Sllvio lowered his arm. I am sorry he said, but my pistol is not charged with cherry-stones-a ball is hard-but it seems to me that what we are about, is more like murder than duel. am not accustomed to fire on disarmed man. Let us begin the mat ter over again. Let us draw lots to see who shall fire first
 My head was turning. It appears that refused. At last we loaded another weapon; we placed two pieces of paper in the very cap that my ball had trav- ersed formerly. again had the No. l. You are confoundediy lucky said Silvio, with smile which shall never forget. I do not know what happened. or how he managed to constrain me, but fired, and my ball struck that pic ture.
 The count pointed to the picture. His face was red as fire. The countess was redder than her handkerchief. and I could bardily repress cry.
 q fired then" continued the count, land thank heaven that 1 missed him. Then Silvio-at that moment he was really terrible-took aim at me. Sud- denly the door opened. Macha rushed in. Her presence restored my firmness. My dear,' said I to her, do you not see that we are joking? Go and drink a glass of water, and then come back. 1 will introduce you to an old friend and companion in arms Macha hardly be- lieved me. Tell me, is what my hus- band says true?' she asked of the ter rible Silvio. Is it true that you are jok- ing?' He is always joking, Countess replied Silvio. Once in joke he gave me slap in the face; in joke he sent a ball through my cap, in joke he has just missed me. Now it is my turn to joke With these words he took aim at me under my wife's eyes. Macha had fallen at my feet. Rise, Macha, are you not ashamed? exclaimed with rage. And you sir; do you wish to drive the poor woman mad? Will you fire? yes or mo- 'No.' replied Silvio; I am satis- fled. 1 have seen your confusion, your weakness; 1 have forced you to fire at me am satisfied. You will remember me; abandoned you to your conscience.' He took step toward the door, stopped on the threshold, glanced at the picture, and almost without taking aim, fired and doubled my ball. My wife tainted. My servants did not dare to stop him. He went out and called his postilion, and was gone before I recovered my pres ence of mind."
 It was thus I learned the end of a story the commencement of which had so much puzzeled me. Silvio, at the time of the insurrection of Alexander Ypsilanti, was killed at the head Of a company of hefairists in the defeat of Skouliani.