Idaho semi-weekly world. [volume] (Idaho City, Idaho Territory) 1875-1908, 1891-08-04
A SURPRISED FEacER.
The Lesson Taught Young American
observation-disclosures

cfbsu1dft-Dtsagnsft.
young bank clerk III Albany Il wise,
than he was year ago. Ia the bank
where ne was clerk a new man wa.
gwen somewhat inferior position. The
newcomer was small. slight framed
trenchman. whose English was decide5ly
lame, but who so seldom spoke that /;
made little difference. The senior clark
had decided penchant for fencing. and
compared with most fellows Of lis apf
ana position was unquestiOnably a GOOD
s"ordsman- In addition to this lie was q
most lnsufferable braggart, and his mill
tary accomplishment was his ono tonic Of
thought and conversation He had abou,
MN very patronizing air. which he pro
ceeded to inhict upon the iuoTen.ive
trencnman, and his familiar siaps ON tbs
back evidently displeased the stranger
Finally particularly emphatic thunp be
tween the little Frenchrnan's shoulder.
Pfoauced as response a singing slap IL
the face, which left the red mark Of q
small hand sharply prominent against The
otherwise deathly pale face Of the younQ
American.
speechless with rage. the young mar
found his desk, and shortly afterward
through friend, challenged the r-ccch
man To mortal combat The latter ar-,fo
glNsd' IN TACT did al in his power to undo
the mischief Of his hasty blow IN win
Nothing but blood can vine ont tbat In,
suit, the young man said haurhiily. The
details were arranged. the Frenchuian. Cd
the challenged party, choosing rapiers.
1reat!y to the surprise Of the hot blooded
young challenger. the cashier Of the bank
VINO knew the Frenchrnan we'll, acted as
the Iatter's second. The dsv came and
the hour. he principals stepped 10 posi-
ton, saluted. and the blue blades crossed
with that smooth, gliding sound which il
music 10 the ear Of the true sword sr1au
Inc Frenchman, whose Familiarity with
bis weapon was evident at the start. CON.
hned himself at first entirely TO defense.
turning his opponent's point with a grace
OF movement and absence Of fear or ne.ry-
BUSINESS which were poetry in action The
young man grew bOider, his thrusts be-
gan TO have an air Of ferocitv which
seemed to anger the Frenchman triae.
and turning aside his opponent thrust
ne made quick lunge, and the young
American barely parted
Another quick thrust and a tr=n IF the
wrist were too much for him, there was a
sharp snap and the top button Of his coat
flew across the room. Angry at this evil
cent tr11ing. the buttons owner mad. A
spitefui lunge. which was quickly parried
and tine next button was snapped away.
One after another the shining buttons on
his natty blue braided jacket were cut of
oy the Erenchu2ns ready point. De
cldediy ratified al his opponents skin
ana the Irrepressible smiles Of the seconds
ana surgeon. the yolng clerk now. wit
greater r4pldity and less caution. made
nerce iunges, any one Of which would
nave driven the sharp napier through the
body Of the cool Freuchman. while the
little man, quietly parrying. With the
sharp point Of MS weapon stripped the
front Of the young man : jacket to rib
bous
The contest had lasted some twenty
minutes when suddenly the Frenchman
caught the swiftly advancing point Of his
opponent, turned il aside. slipped his own
sword quickly down along the others
blade. turning il with quick wrist mo
llon - that 1t partly wound around il.
ana with sharp wrenching motion tore
the weapon away and sent il FIXING across
the floor. Then he salQTed, threw his
weapon down and left the room II sub
sequently TRANSFERRED that the foreigner
ws-s-and is-a member Of q once noble
French family, captain il the French
army, and MS teachers have been some Of
the best swOrdsmea in France. The
Young American has not challenged any
miscellaneous foreigner since. and is less
inclined % talk OF his experience or skill.
Albany Journal