The record-union., 1893-01-27
L0D0MIRSKY'S DUEL.

'~AA ~ NsttA AeA,tAA4 H4N4 y
in honor Of his birthday, and discussing
the various topics Of the garrison.
''Can you tell rs, without being indis-
Greet" asked Sub-Lieutenant Stamm of
Andrew Michaelovitch, the eaide-de-camp,
what the Colonel was so eager to say to
you this morning?"
81 new officer" he replied, sis to fill
the vacancy of Captain"
His name?" demanded two or three
voices.
Lieutenant Zodomirsky, who is be-
trothed to the beautiful Mariana Raven
sky"
And when does he arrive?" asked
Major Belayei.
He has arrived. / have been presented
to him at the Colonel's house. He very
anxious to make your acquaintance, gem
tlemen, and / have therefore invited him
to dine with US. But that reminds me,
Captain. you must know him." he con-
tlnued, turning to me; you were both in
the same regiment at st. Petersburg"
ut Is true" L replied. I'VE studied
there together. lie was then a brave,
handsome youth, adored by his comrades,
in everyone's good graces, but of a fiery
and irritable temper"
'MademOiseNe Ravensky informed me
that he was a skillful duelist," said
Stamm. "Weu, he viii do very we'll
here; duel is a family affair with Us.
on are welcome, Monsieur Zodomir-
sky. However quick your temper, be
careful Of it before me, or l shall take
upon myself to cool it."
And Stamm pronounced these words
with a visible sneer.
''How is 1t that he leaves the Guards?
ls he ruined?" asked Cornet NaletoH.
Il have been informed" replied
fStamm, that he has jus: inherited from
an old aunt 27,00) roubles. No, poor
devil, he IS cOnsumptive."
Come, gentlemen" said the Aidde-
Camp, rising, "let us pass to the saloon
and have game Of cards. koloff will
serve dinner while we play"
We had been seated some time, and
Stamm, who was far from rich, was in
the act OF losing sixty rOubles, when Ko-
LOFT announced:
Captain ZodomIrsky."
Here you are at lastn' cried Michaelo-
witch, jumping from his chair. "You are
welcome"
Then, turning to us. he continued:
''These are your new comrades, Captain
Aodonnrsky; all good fellows and brave
soldiers"
"Gentlemen,'' said Zodomirsky, ST am
proud and happy to have joined your
regiment. To do so has been my greatest
desire for some time, and if [ am well
come, as you courteOusly say, l shall be
the happiesL man in the world"
N goOd-day, Captain" he continued,
turning to me and holding out his hand.
I'VE meet again. Gou have not forgot
ten an old friend, l hope?'
As he snllingly uttered these words,
Stamm, to whom his back was turned,
darted at him glance full of bitter
hatred. Stamm was not liked in the
g. I 1
had formed no friendship with any of us.
l could not understand his apparent
hostility toward ZOdomirsky, whom |
believed he had never seen before.
some one offered Zodomirsky a cigar.
He accepted it, lit it at the cigar ofan
officer near him. and began to talk gayly
TO his new comrades.
''Do you stay here long?'' asked Major
Belayei.
.'l es, monsieur" replied Zodomirsky.
Il wish to stay with YOU as long as nos
slble," and as lie announced these words
he saluted us all round with q smile. He
continued Il have taken a house near
tnat OF my old friend Ravensky, whom [
knew at ST. Petersburg. l have my
horses there, an excellent cook, pass
able library, little garden and target:
there l shall be quiet as a hermit, and
happy rs King. 1t is the lie that suits
me.V
Ia GU l1IdtLlt6 SlOOIl00. - SAID
StamIn, IN such a strange voice, accom-
panied by smile so sardonic that Lodo-
mirsky regarded him in astouishment.
1T IS my custom every morning 10 fire
twelve balls, . he replied.
on are very fond of that amuse-
ment?" demanded Stamm, i'll a voice
without any trace OF emotion; adding.
Il do not understand the use of shooting.
unless it is 10 kill game"
Lodomirsky's pale face was flushed
with a sudden flame. lie turned to
Stamm and replied III quiet. but firm
voice, = think, monsieur, that you are
wrong in calling it lost time to learn to
shoot with "a pistol; in our garrison life an
imprudent word often leads to a meeting
between comrades, in which case he who
Is known for good shot inspires respect
among those indiscree5 persons who
amuse themselves III asking useless ques-
tiOns.''
ION! that is not a reason, Captain. In
duels, as IN everything else. something
should be left to chance. l maintain my
1Irst opinion, and say that an honorable
man ought not 10 take too many precau-
tons"
And why?" asked Zodomirsky.
81 will explain to you, i" replied Stamn.
''Do you play at cards. Captain?''
Nv by do you ask that question ?''
- VIII try to render my explanation
clear, 50 that all viii understand it.
Every one knows that there are certain
players WHO have an enviabie lznacll.
while shutting the pack, OF adroitIv
making themselves master of the win
ming card. Now, L see no difference. my
self, between the man who robs his
neighbCr of his money and the one who
robs him of his liIe.r Then he added i'm
n way 10 take nothing from the insolence
of his observation, II do not say this to
you, in particular, Captain; l speak in
general terms"
1T is too much as it is, monsieurp'
cried Zodomirsky. 81 beg Captain Alexis
StephanOvitch to terminate this affair
with you" Then, turning to me. he
said, You viii not refuse me this re-
Quest?"
50 be it. Captain" replied Stamm
quickly. ~ on have told me yourself
You practice shooting every day, while |
practice only on the day l tight. We will
equallze the chances. | will settle detaiIS
with Monsieur Stephanovitch."
Then be rose ana turned to our host.
"Au revoir, MichaeIOvitch, he said.
81 viii dine at the COlOneIs." And with
these words lie left the room.
The most profound silence had been
kept during this alteration, bat as soon
as Stamm disappeared Captain Praydin6
an old officer, addressed himseIfto ms all
I'VE cannot let them fight, gentlemen
he said.
Zodomirsky touched him gently on his
arm.
captain" !" he said. Il am newcomer
among you; none of you know me. I
have yet as II were, to win my spurs: il
IS impossible for me to let this quarrel
pass without fighting. l do not know
what L have done to annoy this gentle
man, but ii is evident that he has a spite
against me-"
The truth of the matter is that Stamm
is jealous OF you, ZodOmirsky" said