The herald., 1893-10-15
A DUEL In THE DARK.

been what is called an unlucky fellow,
having an unfortunate propensity for
stroking the wrong way and unwitting-
| ly bringing down upon myself the i'll
will of the people with whom came in
contact. A friend once tried to explain
this misfortune of mine on the theory
that the electric fluid with which I was
charged was of the antagonistic order,
and that was in no way responsible for
the enemies that / made.
At this time was in Paris, having
been sent there by my friends, who were
then making an effort to procure for me
a position of some Importance. In view
of my fatal incapacity for doing or say
ing the right thing at the right time,
they deemed 1t indispensable to my sue
cess that should be at safe distance
until the matter was decided.
That I should choose Paris for my place
of retirement was but natural, since a
young lady in whom felt somewhat
| absorbing interest was at the time stop
ping in that city.
| / had become acquainted with her in
my college days and was sure that she
at least felt no antipsthy to me. Her
father, who was retired army officer.
took very decided dislike to me at
sight and gave as reason that had
mo fight" in me. The arrogant manner
in which he treated me in those days
left no room for doubt that he consider
ed me coward.
Shortly after my arrival met the
young lady by an appointment which
was clandestine only SO far as that
was aware of her fathers absence from
the city on that day. 1t was evening
when, somewhat fatigued by our sight
seeing, we entered cafe on one of the
boulevards for lunch.
AS we passed through the broad en-
trance we encountered two men who
were lounging against one of the pillars.
The larger and much the stronger of the
two was carelessly brushing the floor
with his cane just as we reached him
he, if not Intentionally. yet with an in
difference to the rights of others that
was inexcusable, switched the stick
against us in such a way as to tear a
part of the lady's lace dress. was in
dignant, and glance at her flushed face
made me feel that must do something
to show my resentment.
This feeling was strengthened when
observed the Indifference which the fell
low displayed in regard to the affair.
He made no attempt to apologize, and
when remarked, "You were very care
less, sir!" he gave me an insolent stare
that angered me beyond control, and for
getting for the moment everything else
l spoke to him sharply. He made no re-
ply, but extending his cane entangled it
in the lady's dress so that the delicate
fabric was again torn for yard or more.
The man with him, a much younger
person, started as if to check him, but
the movement was not decided enough
TO make it quite clear what his intentions
were
was frantic with passion, and with
one blow struck the fellow to the floor,
then hurried my companion away from
the scene. The expression of surprise up
on the faces of the bystanders did moi
escape me, and realized intuitively that
/ had dared to assail a man of more thar
ordinary Importance.
We were hardly seated when the young
er man came to me, and bowling said, 81
beg monsieurs pardon, but my friend
whom monsieur felt called upon to re
buke wishes to exchange cards"
He held toward me an ordinary visit
ing card which took without glancing
at it and handed him one Of my own
Courteously thanking me for the favor
and again begging my pardon, he with
drew.
"Oh, how thankful l am that yor
knocked that brute DOWN. exclaimed
my companion. How / wish that paps
could have seen you'll will tell him oi
it, and he will never-no, never-agair
call you a.
She suddenly checked herself and die
not finish the sentence, but knew vel
| enough what she would have added-hel
| father would never again call me a cow
ard.
1t did not trouble me then. felt very
brave and smiled down upon her spar
king eyes with everyday
sort of-experienoe-with-m expression.
After lunch escorted her to her home
, then returned to my hotel and very soor
retired.
l had not finished dressing next morn
ing when the door Of my room was sud
denly opened, and man entered unan
, pounced and apparently in great excite
, ment. was not surprised at this ab
ruptness when saw that it was my &c
centric friend, Wilson, whom l ha(
found living in the city.
Without word of greeting or apology
he exclaimed: "Well, you have done 1t
/ congratulate you upon your notoriety
I came early and have not stopped fol
ceremony, because ] wished to be tn,
first to pay homage to the latest Partisan
hero
tlfed blankly at him, vainly tryins
to urehend what he was driving at
bu .Dposing that this was only another
exhibtion of his whimsical character.
did you know who be was when you
struck himY' he continued.
Know whomY' queried.
"Why, the man you struck last night
of course"
81 do not know, nor do care" 1 re-
piled indiferently, but wondering how
Wilson had heard of the affair.