The Redwood gazette. [volume] (Redwood Falls, Minn.) 1873-1940, 1895-04-04

paCCn0U = moecd&o " MIN. StauD ana
Sakosky, the fashionable tailor and boot
maker of that epoch, requesting their
immediate attendance at the hotel where
be was stopping
Thirty minutes later they were there,
and as wise measure of Cancellation
Symphorien was no fool, after all-he
gave them an order considerably larger
than they were won't to receive. even
from their most extravaganza customers.
Then, the necessary selections and meas
u1ements made, he amazed them still
more by demanding the amount of the
bill, as he desired to settle it beforehand.
With one accord they protested against
the need of SO speedy settlement. They
had every confidence in monsieur's solv-
ency and were not in the slightest
hurry!
''That may be-" replied he, "but
am. have q duel this afternoon with
Martha Rogue, and, though am no nov
ice in such matters and have caught a
swallow on the wing many and many a
time, one cannot be sure with so dan.
gerous an antagonist what may hap
pen."
Staub and Sakosky stared at each 9TH
er aghast. Such an offhand proceeding
took the breath out of them.
They reflected 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 bills?
Staub looked at Sakosky, Sakosky
looked at Staub, It was enough. They
understood each other.
Monsieur" said the latter, "in a
Ease like yours the choice Of seconds is
matter of great Importance. May take
the liberty of inquiring the names OF
those who act in your behalf?'
II have none as yet," replied the
young provincial. II shall probably take
the first two soldiers I meet Any one,
in short. I have no acquaintance in
Paris to whom I can apply"
''Then, monsieur, said Staub, 81
may venture to make you proposition.
Whenever I have leisure moment,
am generally to be found in some shoot
ing gallery where our skillful marksmen
congregate. Therefore, as you are I'M
provided with seconds, if you will con
descend to accept my services and those
of M. Sakoky"-
"Willingly, monsieurs," interrupted
Symphorien, who desired nothing bet
ter. "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 fol
the encounter.
''What," exclaimed Rogue, ''he has
chosen you?''
HE Gould not do otherwise Yor
gave him our names and addresses, anc
as he knows no one else in Paris he was
only too glad to avail himself Of ou1
services
ROque's sense of hunor, small as il
was, was so irresistibly tickled by the ab
surtiity of the situation that he laughed
outright. Encouraged by his unusual
geniality, his two creditors began elo
qucntly to implore him to be merciful.
Consider. monsieur" urged Sakos.
KY, IF you deprive US Of SO excellent 8
customer, the loss it will be to both ol
Us. A perfect treasure, who pays with
out bargaining and before the goods are
delivered These are hard times, M.
Roque!'
And we have SO many debts oh ou1
books, NJ. Rogue, Staub added insinu
atingly.
There was parley. Rogue was clear
ly perplexed. He stood moment il
thought, evidently wavering between
passion and mirth. Finally he walked
over to the outwardly calm Baliveau.
Monsieur, said he, with courte
Gus bow, ''you are sharper witted than
| took You to be. y
Eth? In what way, monsieur" Sym
phorien demanded.
''You know how to save your Skin
without compromising yourself But,
see you, tell me what made you SO bent
OIL duel last night?'
Ambition frankly confessed the
provincial II wanted to be celebrated
and saw no other way"
''Ah. you have the mania, too, then!
So had | once-till l 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
cabriolet When they see us returning
together, people will say of you, BE.
hold, the only man who ever went out
with Rogue and came back safe and
sound! Jump in before 1 change my
mind, which would be all the worse for
yoQ."
Then, agreeably conscious that hs
was the object of universal attention,
Baliveau proceeded to the Cafe de Paril
the restaurant most in vogue at that
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