Arizona silver belt., 1894-01-20
A DUEL IN THE DARK.

been WllNt ls cttiieu Nu uuluGk1 lclloMs having an unfortunate propensity for stroking the wrong way and unwittins ly bringing down upon myself the ill 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 was charged was of the antagonistic order, and that 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 u position of some importance. In view of my fatal incapaoity for doing or say ing the right thing at the right time, they deemed it indispensable to my sue coss that should be at a safe distance until the matter was decided.
 That 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.
 l had become acquainted with her in my college days and was sure that she at least felt no antipathy to me. Her father. who was retired army officer, ! took very decided dislike to me at sight and gave as 8 reason that had mo fight" in me. The arrogant manner in which be treated me in those days left no room for doubt that he consider i ed me a coward
 1 Shortly after my arrival l met the young lady by au appointment which was clandestine only so fur as that ! was aware Of her fathers absence from ! the city on that day. It 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 one of the pillars. | The larger and much the stronger of the two was carelassly 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 iu such a way as to tear a part of the lady's lace dress. was in. dignant, and d glance at her flushed face made me feel that must do something to show my resentment,
 This feeling was strengthened when l observed the indifference which the fel- low displayed in regard to the affair. He made no attempt to apologize, and when remarked, You were very care. less, sirlH he gave me an insclent stare that angored mo beyond control, and for getting for the moment everything else spoke to him sharply. Ho made no re. l ply, but extending his cane entangled it in the !ady's dress so that the delicate fabric was again torn for q yard or more.
 The man with him. much younger person, started as if to cheek him, but the movement was not decided enough to make 1t quite clear what his intentions were.
 ! was frantic with passion, and with one blow struck the fellow to the foor, then hurried my companion away from the scene. The expression of surprise up on the faces of the bystanders dld not escape me, and realized intgitively that had dared to assail man of more than ordinary importance.
 | Wewere hardly seated when the young. CT man cdme to me, and lowing said, "l beg monsieuFs 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 am that you knocked that brute downr exclaimed my companion. How wish that papa could have seen youl 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 knew well enough what she would have added--he father would never again call me COW. ard.
 It did not trouble me then. 1 felt very brave and smiled down upon her spar king eyes with ''that-is-an-everyday sort-of -experience-with-m 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, aud man entered unan- nounced and apparently in great excite. ment. was not surprised at this ab. ruptness when saw that it was my ec- centric friend, Wilson. whom l had found living in the city.
 Without aword of greeting or apology he exclaimed: "Well, you have done iti congratulate you upon your notoriety. came early and have not stopped for ceremony. because Iwished to be the first to pay homage to the latest Parisiar hero"
 stared blankly at him, vainiy trying to comprehend what he was driving at, but supposing that this was only another exhibition of his whimsical character.
 Did you know who he was when you struck himg' he continued.
 "Know whomY' queried.
 "Why, the man you struck last night, of course"
 1 ''I do not know, nor do cafe," re- piled indifferently, but wondering how Wilson had heard of tho affair.
 Well, it vas no less parsonage than NJ. To Baron, the noted duelist."
 "Whatl not the man who, it is said, las killed his dozen?" I questioned, no longer indifferent.
 "The same. The morning papers are full of the affair."