Mower County transcript. [volume] (Lansing, Minn.) 1868-1915, 1889-06-05

just left. He had the sunken-in face
of q dead person and the pliable hands
that are never to move again. He
grew afraid of his bed, and so as to
look at it no longer, he Went into the
smoking-room, took d cigar mechanic
ally and lighted it and went again to
pacing up and down the room. He
was cold-he went toward the bell to
waken his valet, but stopped, his hand
raised to the rope.
| "Ihat man will see that am afraid. :"
| He did not ring, but made up fire
himself. His hands twitched nervous
~ when they came in contact with any
thing. His brain grew bewildered;
hlsconfused thoughts were now vague,
now harsh and now sad.
Ceaselessly he asked of himself:
''What am to do? What is to be-
come of me?''
His whole frame shook in convul-
sive trembliugs; he rose, crossed to
the window and threw open the cur
tains.
Dawn was coming. The rosy heaven
tinged the roofs and walls of the city
with its own hue. A great mass of
light enveloped the waking world like
a KISS from the rising sun, and, with
this light a cheerful, swift and brutal
hope filled the heart of the Vicomte.
What a mad idiot he had been to be
so mastered by fear before any thing
had been decided on, even before his
seconds had seen those of George
Lamil, before he really knew if he
were going to fight He bathed,
dressed himself and went out with a
firm step.
He said over and over to himself
whilst walking:
Il must show a great deal of energy
about this-a great deal. I must give
proofs am not afraid
His seconds, the MARQUIS and the
Colonel, put themselves at his disposal,
and after having shaken hands with
him vigorously, discussed the condi-
tons.
The Colonel said:
you wish this duel to be 3. serious
one?''
Very Serious" the Vicomte replied.
Then the Marquis took the word.
''Do you desire especially that pis-
tolls shall be used?''
Yes
You leave us free to settle the
rest?"
in harsh. dry voice the Vicomte
articulated: Twenty steps, at the
word of command, raising the weapon
instead Of lowering it. Shots to be ex-
changed until one or the other is se,i-
ously wounded.''
Those are excellent conditions, the
Colonel announced in satisfied tone;
''you are a good shot, all the chances
are on your side"
And they separated. The Vicomte
went to his rooms to await their com.
ing. His agitation, which. had been
quoted for a time, grew now from
minute to minute. He was conscious
of sort of trembling, a vibration
creeping over his arms, his legs, and
into his heart; neither sitting no,
standing could he keep still.
All the natural saliva had left his
mouth, and every now and then his
tongue clicked dryly against his pal.
ate.
He thought at first he would break
fast, and then found he could not eat.
The idea struck him to drink to give
himself courage, and then he had g
half-pint bottle of spirits brought him,
of which he drank. one after the other,
six small glasses. He seemed envel.
oped in a warmth like flame, then d
bewilderlnent of soul came to him.
He thought: Il hold the means. Now
l feel better-sure of myself
But at the end of an hour he had
emptied the bottle, and his state OF
nerves again became unbearable. He
felt mad desire to roll on the ground
to cry out, to gnaw something
A pull at the door-bell gave him Sc
| EASeAo q oOCAAuS VI SuuVCIblOu GQdU ne
was not strong enough to get up and
receive his seconds. He no LONGER
dared speak to them, say 'good morn
ing" Or pronounce one single word
for fear they would divine all from the
mere alteration in his voice.
''All is settled according to the con.
ditions you arranged" the Colonel
announced. :"Your adversary first
claimed the privileges of the insulted
party, but he gave in very soon and
has accepted every thing. His seconds
are two military men,
The Vicomte managed to utter:
| Thanks. -
| The Colonel went on:
Pardon us If we only come in and
go right out again, for we have a
thousand things to do yet. We must
have good surgeon, since the duel is
to last until there is a serious wound:
and you know to get ball in ones
self is no joke. We must choose q
place near a house, where the wounded
man may be carried if necessary, and
| so forth and 40 on. in fact Wa h,ro