The Jasper weekly courier. [volume] (Jasper, Ind.) 1858-1922, 1893-08-11

Ill WN4 ~ IItMV DAWSON tnere.
@S-lE CF, 1WJ lie knew that
sIHtzI u Dawson was
H.EalH. Wy going TO be in
E~& Paris for at
least for might, and he had particu-
lar reason for wishing TO come across
him in the streets of Paris rather than
In the streets of London.
Streeter was young author who had
published several books. and who was
getting along as well as could be ex-
pec,ed. until suddenly he met check.
The check was only check as far us
his own self-estcem was concerned; for
IL did not in the least re tard the sale OF
his latest book, but rather appeared to
increase il. The check vas unexpected,
for where he had looked for a caress he
received blow. The blow was so we'll
placed. and SO vigorous. that at first it
stunned him. Then he became I'M
reasonably angry. He resolved to
strike back
The review Of his book in the Argus
was vigorously severe, and perhaps
what maddened him more than any
thing else was the fact that. in spite OF
his self-esteem, he realized the truth OF
the criticism. IL his books had been
less successful, or II he had been newer
rs an author, he might possibly have set
himself out to profit by the keen
thrusts given him by the Argus He
might have remembered that although
-Tennyson struck back at Christopher
North. calling him rusty. rrrsty and
rusty. yet the poet eliminated from
later editions all blemishes which musty
Christopher had pointed oat.
Streetcr resolved 10 strike back with
something more tangible than sar-
castle verse. He quite admitted, even
to himself. that critic had every
right to criticise-that was what he
was for: but he claimed that man who
pretended to be an authors friend and
who praised his books to his face had
no right to go behind his back and pen
q criticism SO scathing as that which
appeared in the Argus. for Strecter
knew that Alfred Dawson had written
the criticism in the Argus. and Dawson
had pretended to be his friend; and had
pretended. as we'll, that he had great
admiration for Streeter's books.
As Streeter walked down the Boule-
ward dcs ltaliens he saw. seated in
front of cafe. the man whom he hoped
TO meet; and, furthermore. he was
pleased to see that nc had friend with
him. The recognition of author and
critic was mutual.
Halo. Streeter." cried DAWSON;
S'whcn did you come over?'
II left London yesterday" answered
Strceter
Then sit down and have something
with us" said Dawson. cordially.
s.Sireeter. this is my friend Harmon.
He is an exile and resident in Paris,
and. consequently, likes to meet his
.conn:rymcn."
I'm that case" said Streeter. "he is
probably well acquainted with the GUS
toms Of the place."
Rather returned DAWSON: 'he has
become SO much of a Frenchman-he
has been so contaminated. II may put
1t that way-that believe quite re-
Gently he was either principal or second
IN duel. BY the way, which was it,
llarmon?'
Merely second" answered the
other.
II don't believe in dueling myself"
continued Dawson. 1T seems 10 me
an idiotic custom, and so futile
II don't agree with yon." replied
Strecter, CURLY. There is no reason
why duel should be futile. and there
seem 10 be many reasons why duel
might be fought. There are many
things worse than crimes, which exist
In all countries. and for which there is
no remedy except calling a man out;
misdemcanors. il l may so term them.
that the law takes no cognizance of;
treachcry. for instance-a person pre-
tending TO be mans friend. and then
the first chance he gets stabbing him
In the back.
Harmon nodded his approval Of these
sentiments. while Dawson said. jaunt-
lily:
''Oh. don't know about that. IL
seems to me these things, which sup
pose undoubtedly exist. should not be
made important by taking much notice
Of them. What will you have to drink,
Streeter?-
Bring me liqucur Of brandy" said
streeter to the garcon who stood ready
to take the order.
When the waiter returned with a
small glass, into which he poured the
brandy with the dizziness of French
man, filing Il SO that not a drop more
could be added. and yet without allow
ing the glass to overflow, Strceter
pulled out his purse
NO, no. cried Dawson; ''you are not
going to pay for this-you are drinking
with me-
Il pay for my own drinks said
strceter. surlily.
Not while invite you to drink with
me- protested the critic. II pay for
'his brandy
Very well: take il. them" said
c'reeter. picking up the little glass and
flashing the contents in the face of
DAWSON.
DAWSON took ont his handkerchief