Mineral Point tribune. (Mineral Point, Wis.) 1869-1938, 1897-11-11

Jul IIuSt,
ASK him. replied Ferrari fiercely.
struggling to release himself from the
grasp OF the two Frenchmen--"he
knows, well enough! Ask hint"
All eyes were turned enqui-ingly
upon me, | was silent.
The noble conte is really not bound
to give any explanation, remarked
Captain Freccia-"even admitting he
were able to do SO"
Il assure you, my friends" | said.
i am ignorant OF the cause OF this
fracas, except that this young gentle
man had pretensions himself to the
hand Of the lady whose name affects
him so seriously"
For moment | thought Ferrari
would have choked
'Pretensions--pr etensions!" he
asped Gran bio! Hear him. hear
he miserable scoundrel,'
All, basta!' exclaimed Chevalier
Mancini, scornfully-"is that all? A
mere bagatellel Ferrari, YOU were
went to be more sensible What!
quarrel with an excellent friend for
the sake of woman who happens to
prefer him TO you! Machel Women are
plentiful-friends are few"
IF" | resumed, still methodically
wiping the stains OF wine from my
oat and yest-"if Signor Ferrari's ex-
traordinary display of temper is
mere outcome of natural disappoint-
ment | am willing to excuse ii. He is
young and hot-blooded-let him apol-
gize, and shall freely pardon him"
BY my faith!" said the Duke di
Marina with indignation, such gener-
osity is unheard of, contei Permit me
to remark that it is altogether excep-
tional, after such ungentlemanly con
duct"
Ferrari looked from one to the other
in silent fury. His face had grown
pale as death. He wrenched himself
Hamal.
Fools! let me go," he said saw
agely. None of you are on my side
see that!' He stepped TO the table,
poured out a glass of water and drank
t off. He then turned and faced me
his head thrown back, his eyes blaz-
ng with wrath and pain.
Liar" he cried again, double
aced, accursed liar, You have stolen
her-you have fooled me-but, by
Cd, you shall pay for it with your
life!"
Willingly" ! said, with hooking
smile, restraining by gesture the
hasty EXCAVATIONS of those around
ne who resented this fresh attack
most willingly, caro- signor, But ex-
use me If | fail TO see wherein you
oIsider yourself wronged The lady
who is now my finance has not the
slightest affection for you-she told
me so herself. Had she entertained
any such feelings | might have with
drawn my proposals--but as matters
stand, what harm have done you?"
A chorus of indignant voices inter-
rCpted me. Shame on you, Ferrari -
cried Gualdro. THE count speaks
like a gentleman and man of honor.
Were in his place you should have
had no word of explanation whatever
| would not have condescended to par
ley with you-by Heaven | would
Eot,"
Nor T." said the duke, stiniy.
Nor ~ said Manpfni
Surely" said Iu2iano Salustri,
"Ferrari will make the amende honor
able"
There was a pause. Each man looked
at Ferrari with some anxiety. The
suddenness of the quarrel had sobered
the whole party more effectually than
a cold douche. Ferraris face grew
more and more livid tn his very lips
turned CHASTITY blue-he laughed
aloud in bitter scorn. Then, walk
ing steadily up to me, with his eyes
full Of baffied vindictiveness, be said,
in low, clear tone;
"Yoh say that-you say she never
cared for me-you, and | am to apollo
size to youl Thief, coward, traitor
take that for my apology" And he
struck me across the mouth with his
bare hand so fiercely that the diamond
ring he wore tmy diamond ring) cut
my flesh ard slightly drew blood. A
shout of anger broke from all present,
| turned to the Marquis D'Avencourt.
There can be but one answer to
this" | said, with Indifferent coldness.
"Signor Ferrai has brought IL on him
self. Marquis. will you do me the
honor to arrange the affair.""
The marquis bowed, q shall be most
happy"
Ferrai glared about him for a mo-
ment and then said, "Freccla, you will
second me?"
Captain Freccia shrugged his should
els. You must positively excuse me, /"
he said. My conscience will not per-
NIT me to take up such remarkably
wrong cause as yonrs, caro- mic! /
shall be pleased 10 act with D'Aven-
court for the count, II he will permit