The Anderson intelligencer. [volume] (Anderson Court House, S.C.) 1860-1914, 1897-11-10
A GAME FOR A LIFE.


ror than the story, told with vivid
power, of the encounter between
Major Belvois and D'Aubigny, the
duelist.
According to my friend, D'Aubig-
nv came of an old family that had
from the days of Henri Quatorze
given France both soldiers and
statesmen, but Jean was a shame
and disgrace to the blood of his an
cestors. When he chose, his speech
and manners were those of the aris-
tocrat, and even at his worst he had
an air of distinction and handsome
person, but it was all mere surface
polish, and from his youth up he
was living shame. He had Won
derful abilities and was poet of no
mean caliber, but he was expelled
from school, and after a reckless
youth had to leave the army. He
had fortune which he squandereds
in few years, after which he lived
by gan1bling-by cheating, it was
whispered, though none dared open
ly accuse him, so terrible had his
reputation become. 80
Then began a career of infamy
that one might almost say surpassed
that Of any of the bravos who
wrought desolation in France. Some
of them had a qualm Of pity at
times; D'Aubigny had%none.' His
were the instincts of q tiger. He
took delight in wanton cruelty. =
! Depaille told me z many stories
about him, with which I will not
trouble the reader, but come to the,
,crowning tragedy of his career,S,
which happened at Aix-les-Bains,
whittier, at the height OF, the sea
son, D'Aubigny came and strutted
about intimidating everybody. For
instance, wealthy but miserly
shipbuilder who had come to AK to
take the waters was told one night
a gentleman wished to see him, and
the bravo was shown to his room.
"Good evening, NJ. Allierl'' he
said, with exaggerated politeness
"You are wealthy, believer"
: Slightly, monsieur, slightly" +"
ssiid the shipbuilder, rather pleased
that SO notorious man as the duel
list should notice him.
"And l, monsieur, have had the
misfortune to become penniless this
evening through distressing circum-
Stances" said D'Aubigny, fixing his
eyes on the shipbuilder.
IT am sorry to hear it," interrupt
ed>the shipbuilder.
Nevertheless it is fact" re-
torted the other. II suggest to you,
monsieur, that a loan of 10000
francs would be an act of charity" "
Poor Allier became pale, and his
throat was very dry. Thin other
circumstances I should be glad to
do you the favor, monsieur, but at
present have 200 francs I could
place at your service for a short
time"
II said 90, 1000" was the retort of
the bravo.
Monsieur, am sorry, but ! can
not.''
GAS you will," said D'Aubigny
grimly as he rose. 'ln that case
monsieur wishes me to regard him
as an enemy. Very well. Ny enc
mics never live long"
The poor shipbuilder, almost par
alyzed with fright, tried to obtain
better terms for himself, but the
bravo was adamant, and half an
hour later he retired with $500 in
his pocket-a loan, as he euphemis-
tically termed it-and the shipbuild-
er fed home early the next morning
lest he should be further bled.
That same day Henri Coustans, a
lieutenant in the army, came to AK
with his mother, who had just buried
her husband. Henri was an only
son, and ne was devoted to his
mother, even still one of the most
beautiful women in France. On the
evening of the third day of his visit
he was strolling alone along the
promenade, when he came upon
D'Aubigny just as the LATTER. who
had drunk freely at dinner, met a
peasant girl, pretty young thing
of II or so. D'Aubigny planted
himself in front of her and demand
ed kiss before he would allow her
to pass. Greatly distressed, she be-
seeched him in vain to allow her to
pass, and when Henri came up she
turned implcring eyes on him. The
boy-for he was nothing more
recognizing the duelist, went to her.
Take my arm,''' he said to her, and
then, turning to D'Aubigny and
speaking with great courtesy
Monsieur, am sure you do not
understand that you are distressing. =,
this lady. Kindly allow us to pass.
D'Aubigny looked him over, then
laughed insultingly. "Oh, ho, Mas
ter Jackanapes, he said, mimick
ing the others courteous tones,