The Democratic press. [volume] (Ravenna, O. [Ohio]) 1868-1901, 1895-03-20

ALI. nave IL Oltel luis a1GeElOOn WIFI
Martial Rogue, and though 1 am no
novice in such matters and have caught
a swallow on the wing many and many
time, one cannot be sure with so
dangerous an antagonist what may hap
pen."
Staub and Sakosky stared at each
other aghast. Such an off-hand pro-
ceeding took the breadth out of them.
They reheSted on the chance-most
unlikely, of course, but still possible
of his proving himself the better shot of
the two. Rogue owed them regular
pot of money, and if he should chance to
fall by Symphorien's bullet, who would
pay their billsg"
Staub looked at Sakosky, Sakosky,
looked at Staub. 1t was enough. They
understood each other.
Monsieur" said the latter, sin case
like yours the choice of seconds is mat
ter of great Importance. May l take
the liberty of inquiring the names of
those who act in your behalfp"
81 have none as yet" replied the
young provincial; 81 shall probably take
the first two soldiers meet; anyone, in
short. / have no acquaintances in Paris
to whom can apply"
venture to make you proposition.
am generally to be found in some shoot
ing gallery where our skillful marksmen
congregate. Therefore, as you are un-
provided with seconds, if you will con-
descend to accept my services and those
| of M. Sakosky-"
"Willingly, monsieurs," interrupted
uhr IL AL Iok&
you anticipate my wish and save me
an infinity of trouble"
Three hours later the two principals
and their seconds, punctual to the min
ute, arrived at the spot fixed upon for
the encounter.
"What!" exclaimed Rogue, she has
chosen you?"
"He could not do otherwise. You gave
him our names and addresses. and as he
knows no one else in Paris he was
only too glad to avail himself of our
services"
Roque's sense of humor-small as it
was-was so irresistably tickled by the
absurdity of the situation that he
laughed outright. Encouraged by his
unusual genialty his two creditors be-
gan eloquently to implore him to be
merciful.
Consider, monsieur" urged Sakosky,
| "if you deprive us of so excellent a GUS
toner the loss it will be to both of us.
A perfect treasure, who pays without
bargaining and before the goods are
delivered! These are hard times, M.
Roque!"
"And we have so many debts on our
books. M. Rogue" Staub added, in
sinuatingly.
There was parley. Rogue was clear
ly perplexed. He stood a moment in
thought, evidently wavering between
passion and mirth. Finally he walked
over to the outwardly calm Baliveau.
Monsieur" said he, with courteous
bow. "you are sharper witted than
took you to be-" "EhP In what way,
monsieur?" Symphorien demanded.
You know how to save your skin
without compromising yourself. But
see you. tell me what made you SO bent
on a duel last nightP"
Ambition, frankly confessed the pro-
vincial. Il wanted to be celebrated and
saw no other way"
"Ah, you have the mania, too, theng
So had l once-till / outlived the folly.
Well, no matter; you've courage, and
your wish shall be gratified more easily
and safely than mine was. Get into
my cahriolet. When they see us re.
turning together people will say ofyou
Behold the only man who ever went
out with Rogue and came back safe and
sound Jump in before l change my
mind, which would be all the worse fol
YOU"
Then, agreeably conscious that he
was the object of universal attention
Baliveau proceeded to the Cafe de Pari:
the restaurant most in vogue at thai
time-where he lengthily dined, know
ing that every eye, from the waiter tc
the dame de compton, was fixed upor
him with an interest and curiosity tina
satisfied, even beyond his anticipations
his thirst for notoriety.
Alas for the unstableness of human
felicity. Next morning there was :
panic on the bourse. When he entered
Tortoni's for breakfast no one noticed
him; they were too much absorbed il
the profits and the losses.
1t was the coup de grace to Baliveau'
brief celebrity, and weary and dispirite'
he returned to his province home
Commercial Gazette.