The spirit of democracy. [volume] (Woodsfield, Ohio) 1844-1994, 1882-09-19
Selfrt Stury.
A GOOD SWORD-STROKE;
How Col. De Malet Met His Match.

There was high frolic going on 10
small town of Southern France one fine
summer morning toward the end of the
first century. The great local fair, which
only came once in six months, was in
full swing, and the queer little market
place of the town. with The old-fashioned
fountain in the middle and its tall dark
houses al round, was crowded to over.
flowing. Here was juggler eating fire,
or pulling ribbons out of his mouth by
the yard, amid ring of wondering peas
ants. There was an acrobat turning head
over heels, and then walking on his hands
with his feet up in the air. A little fur
ther on a show OF dancing dogs had
gathered large crowd; and close by
sIy.lookipg fellow in striped frock,
leaning over the front of wagon, was
recommending a certain cure for TOOTH
ache, which, however, judging from the
wry faces OF those who ventured to try
it, must have been almost as bad as the
complaint itself
The chief attraction Of the fair, how
ever, seemed to be tall, gsunt man.wih
an unmis,akably Italian face, who Was
STAND ng on low platform beside the
touutain. He had been exhibiting some
wonderful feats OF svordsmanship, such
as throwing an apple in the air and cut
ting il in Two as it fell, tossing up bis
sword and catching it by the hill, strik-
ing an egg with it so lightly as not to
break the shell, and others equally mar
velous. AT length, having collected
great throng around him, he stepped fer.
ward and challenged any one present to
try a sword bout with him, on The con-
dition that whichever was first dissrmed
should forfeit to the other half livre
ten cents.
Several troopers who were swaggering
about the market.place, for there was q
cavalry regiment quartered in the to own,
came up one after another to try their
hand upon him But to the great ieligh,
of the crowd they all got the worst OF il :
and one might have guessed from the
eagerness with which the poor Italian
snatched up the money, as well as from
his pale face and hollow cheeks, that he
did not often earn so much in one day.
Suddenly the crowd parted to right
and left as handsome young man, in
a fine gold-laced coat and plumed bat,
with a silver-hilted sword by his side.
forced his way through the press and
confronted the successful swordsman.
"You handle your blade so we'll my
FRIEND" cried he, "th.t / should like to
try a bout with you myself, for am
thought to be something of swords
man. Blu. before we begin take these
two livres and get yourself some food
at the French Lily yonder, for you look
tired and hungry, and it's no fair match
tween fasting man and full one."
"Nnw may Heaven bless you, nv lord,
whoever you may bel" said the man
feivently; for you're the first who's
given NE kindly word this many day
I can hardly expect to be match for
you, but if you will be pleased to wait
but ten minutes, I'll gladly do my best" I"
The fencer was as good as his word,
and the moment he was seen to remount
the platform the lookers-on crowded ca
gerly around it, expecting well.fought
hout, for they had all seen What he could
do and they now recognized his oppo-
nent as the young Marq lis de Malet,
who bad the name of being the best
swordsman IN the whole district.
Their expectations we're not dissp-
pointed; for the first minute or 80 the
watching eyes could hardly follow the
swords which fickered to and fro ike
FISHES OF lightning, feinting, warding,
parrying, till they seemed To he every.
where at once De Malet at first pressed
his man vigorously, but fpding him
more skillful than be had expected he
began to fight more cautiously and to
aim at firing him out
This ar,ful plan seemed likely to sue
Eceed, for the italian at length lowered
his weapon for moment, as il his hand
was growing weafied But as De Mallet
made rapid stroke at him the other
suddenly changed the sword from the
right TO the left hand aud catching the
Marquis blade III reverse sent i. flying
among the crowd below:
"Well done!' cried the young nian
admilingly: III thought / knew most
tricks Of fence, but never saw one like
thas BEFORE"