The Carbon advocate. [volume] (Lehighton, Pa.) 1872-1924, 1886-03-20

1--WE shall probably not meet again
I wish to speak few parting words
You may have observed that care lit
tie for public opinion, but like you
and would regret leaving you under g
false conception of my character"
He stopped to refill his glass. 1 re
mained silent
You have thought Il strange did
not exact satisfaction from that drunken
idiot who insulted me at cards Having
the choice of weapons, his life was in
my hands, and mine in comparative Sc
curity. l might attribute my behavior
to grandeur of soul, but disdain to lie
could l have punished him without
risking my life, he would not haYe es.
capped"
raised my eyes to Sylvio In horrer
such confession repclled me.
"Yes, that is the TRUTH" lie con-
tinued. 81 had no right to risk my
life. Six years ago 1 received blow,
and the man who struck me still lives"
My curiosity was quickly excited.
"You did rot fght?" l asked.
1--WE fought. and here is the proof" "
he answered, at the same time taking
up soldiers cap and placing it upon
his head. l noticed small round hole
just above his forehead. Il served In
| . l,.. l. a
perhaps have seen that used to be first
in everything. In my youth 1t was to
Inc an absolute necessity that 1t should
be so. In my day 1t was fashionable 10
be fast; was the widest youngster in
the regiment-in the army, l might say.
Hard drinkers were much applauded.
| could out-drink the famous Dobroski,
whose proves in that line was cele-
brated. In our regiment duels were OF
more than daily occurrence, and In each
one was either principal or second.
Ny brother officers worshipped me, and
my superiors let me alone as an incura-
BILE case.
II was enjoying my laurels when a
young man. rich and of illustrious line
age-permit me to Withhold his name
joined us. Never had l met more
gifted man--young, talented, handsome,
gay to excess, brave as lion, of un-
bounded wealth-all these advantages
were his besides his great name. You
can we'll imagine the place he at once
took among US. My sway was over.
He at first sought my friendship, but
WAS rcpulsed and drew back with in
difference. hated him; his popularity
filed me with rage. 1 tried to draw
him into a quarrel, but his answers to
all my sarcastic speeches were so much
wittier than mine that my rage and jeal-
ousy grew apace, for felt his superior.
ity. At length, one night at ball see.
ing him courted by all, and specially by
young lady greatly admired, ap.
preached him and whispered bitter in.
suit in his ear. This was too much
and, losing his temper, he struck me
full in the face. We drew our swords
the ladies tainted; aud although blood
shed was prevented on the spot, due
was arranged for that very night.
"At daybreak was at the appointed
place with two seconds, awaiting my
rival with much impaticnce, 1t had
/ nd hn s,,e
rising, was oppressively hot. In few
moments | saw him coming leisureN
toward me, on foot and with only one
second. l advanced and saw he held
his cap, which was fun of cherries, in
his hand. had the right TO shoot first,
but my pulse beat so that could not be
sure of my aim, and therefore insisted
that lie should shoot first. He refused
We then agreed to draw lots. Fortune
favored her darling. He shot and the
bullet pierced my cap.
at was my turn now-at last his life
was in my hands. looked eagerly al
him, trying to find the slightest sign ot
fear. He was quietly awaiting my shot
eating his cherries, the pits Of which h,
threw at my feet. 1t was eXasperating
what is the use,' thought /, of taking
a life so little valuedS A deviisf
thought struck me, Dropping my hanc
l said:
"Since you are breakfasting so calm
ly, you are scarcely prepared to die
Allow me to wait until you have fin
ished your cherries
"Do not distress yourself sir, pray,
he answered. You have one shot a
me. At present, or at any time, an
at your service
II turned to my seconds, saying; 8
will not shoot to-day
"The duel was over,
81 asked for leave of absence, an,
came to this little town, where reveng
has been my daily thought, The tim
has come"
Sylvio handed me the letter he ha,
received that day. Some one--an agen
| believe--wrote to say that the 'individ
; ual in question was about to marry
beautiful young girl
"You know" continued Sylyio. ''wh
is the individual alluded to. Well,
go to Moscow tonight, and we will Sc
p if tomorrow or the day after he will b
: as Indifferent to death as the mornin
he was eating cherries"
Sylvio stood up, and paced up an
| down the room like Gagged tiger.
watched him intently and could see tn
, fierce struggle the conflicting passion
, held in his breast.
In moment the servant entered T.
/ say the horses were ready. Sylvi
grasped my hand, we embraced, and
hurriedly seizing a traveling-bag an
brace of pistols, which proved his onl