The McCook tribune. (McCook, Neb.) 1886-1936, 1893-09-08
A DUEL IN I'll DARK.

Up to the time when occurred the in
cident which 1 am about to relate 1 had
been what is called an unlucky fellow,
having an unfortunate propensity for
stroking the wrong way and unwilling
ly bringing down upon myself the i'll
will of the people with whom I 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 I was in no way responsible for
the enemies that / made.
At this time I 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 it indispensable to my sue
cess that 1 should be at a safe distance
until the matter vas decided.
That I should choose Paris for my place
Of retirement was but natural, since a
young lady in whom I felt a somewhat
absorbing interest was at the time stop
ping in that city.
I had become acquainted with her in
my college days and was sure that she
at least felt no a~ntipathy to me. Her
father, who was a retired army officer,
took a very decided dislike to me at
sight and gave as a reason that I had
"no fight" in me. The arrogant manner
in which he treated me in those days
left no room for doubt that he consider
ed mt a coward.
Shortly after my arrival I met the
young lady by an appointment which
was clandestine only so far as that l
was aware of her fathers absence from
the city on that day. 1t was evening
when, somewhat fatigued by our sight
seeing, we entered a cafe on one of the
boulevards for lunch.
As we passed through the broad en-
trance we encountered two men who
were lounging against II 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. I was in
dignant, and a glance at her flushed face
made me feel that I must do something
to show my resentment.
This feeling was strengthened when 1
observed the Indifference which the fell
low displayed in regard to the affair.
He made no attempt to apologize, and
when I 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
I spoke to him sharply. He made no re-
ply, but extending his zane entangled it
in the lady's dress so that the delicate
fabric vas 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.
I 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 b~ystanders did not
escape me, and I realized intuitively that
I had dared to assail a man of more than
ordinary importance.
We were hardly seated when the young
er man came to me, and bowling said, 81
beg monsieur's 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 I took without glancing
at it and handed him one of my own.
Cautiously thanking me for the favor
and again begging my pardon, he with
drew.
+. "Oh, how thankful I am that you
knocked that brute DOWN. exclaimed
my companion. "How I wish that papa
could have seen you! I will tell him of
it, and he will never-no, never-again
call you a."
She suddenly checked herself and did
not finish the sentence, but I knew well
enough what she would have added-her
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 a "that-is-an-everyday-
sort-of-experience-with-me" expression.
After lunch I escorted her to her home,
then returned to my hotel and very soon
retired.
had not finished dressing next morn
ing when the door of my room was sud-
denly opened, and a man entered unan-
nounced and apparently in great excite
ment. I was not surprised at this alb
ruptness when I saw that it was my &C.
centric friend, Wilson, whom I had
found living in the city.
Without a word of greeting or apology
he exclaimed: well, you have done it!
I congratulate you upon your notoriety.
I came early and have not stopped for
ceremony, because I wished to be the
first to pay homage to the latest Partisan
hero"
stared blankly at him, vainly trying