Mineral Point tribune. (Mineral Point, Wis.) 1869-1938, 1888-07-05
CHALLENGED The WRONG MAN.
AM Albany Bank Clerk who Crossed
sword. with a Little Freuchman,

An Albany Bank Clerk who Crossed |
swords with Little Frenehman'
a Young bank clerk in Albany is
WISER Chan be was a year ago. In the
bank where he was clerk new man
was given somewhat inferiorposition.
The newcomer was a small. slight
framed Franchman. whose English
was decidedly lame. but who so seldom
spoke that it made little difference
The senior clerk had a decided pen
chant for fencing, and, compared with
most fellows Of his age and position,
was unquestionably good swordsman.
In addition to this he was q most in
sufIerable braggart, and his military
accomplishment was his one topic of
thought and conversation. He had
about him a very patrOniZlng air,
which he proceeded TO inhict upon the
inoffensiye Erenchmau and his familiar
slaps on the back evidently displeased
the stranger. Finally, n particularly
emphatic thump between the little
Frenchmans shoulders produced as
response a singing Slap in the face
which left the red mark of a small
hand sharply prominent against the
otherwise deathly pale face Of the
young American.
Speeches. with rage the young man
found his desk, and shortly afterward.
through friend, challenged the
Frenchman to mortal combat. The
latter apologized, in fact did all in
his power to undo the mischief OF his
hastv blow; in vain. Nothing but
blood can wipe ont that Insult the
Young man said. haughiily. The de
tails were arranged the Frenchman,
as the challenged party choosing
hot-blooded Young challenger, the
cashier Of the bank. who knew the
Frcnchman well, acted as the latters
second The day came, and the hour.
The principals stepped To position,
sahted, and the blue blades crossed
with that smooth, gliding sound which
is music to the ear of the true swords
man. The Frenchman, whose famili-
arity with his weapon was evident at
the start, combining himself at first en-
tirely todefence, turning his opponents
point with a grace of movement and
absence of fear or nervousness which
were poetry in action. The young
man grew bolder, his thrusts be-
gun to have an air of ferocity which
seemed TO anger the Freuchmau, and,
turning aside his opponents thrust. he
made quick luuge, and the young
American barely parried.
Another quick thrust and % turn Of
the wrist were too much for him; there
was sharp snap and Jhe top button
of his coat flew across thcroOm. Angry
at this evident triflin@ the button
owner made spilefu luuge, which
was quietly parriej, and the next butt
ton was snapped away Ope after
another the shining buttons on his
natty blue-braided jacket were cur of
by the Frenchman's ready point, De-
cidedly ratified at his opponent skill
and the irrepreSsble smiles OF the
seconds and surgeon, the Young clerk
now, with greater rapidity and less
caution, made fierce lunges, amy puc
Of which would have driven the sharp
rapier through the body Of the cool
Frenchman. while the little man, quiet
" parTying, with the sharp point Of
his weapon, stripped the front Of the
young mans Jacket 10 ribbons. The
contest had lasted some twenty minutes.
when suddenly the Frenchman caught
the swiftly advancing point of his
opponent, turning it aside slipped his
own sword quickly down along the
others blade. turning it with % quick
wrist motion so that It partly w6unG
t, and. with a sharp wrenchiug motion.
tore the weapon away and sent ii ily-
N a. acf.,,s- tt4 N4,1. fI'la,, Ra sol afl
threw his weapon down. and LETT the
room
1t subsequently, transpired tina, the
foreigner was member Of "a ouce noble
jrench family a Captain in the French
army, and mis- teachers nave been some
If The best swordsmen. The young
American has not challenged amy mis-
.ellaueous foreigners since then. and is
e-s inclined TO talk of his experience
,r skill. albany .j0urHul.