Santa Fe new Mexican. [volume] (Santa Fe, N.M.) 1898-1951, 1898-09-14
A NOVEL DUEL.

pASG ana d Splenulu cnOWD. lie naO
been fighting in Africa, first as a ommon
soldier, then with the double star shining
brilliantly upon the sleeves Of his tunic.
He had mingled in the ferooious assaults
at the storming of S%evastopol. He had
taken part in the great battles of the cam
paign in Italy. Adored by his men, be-
loved by his officers, respected by the enc
my, his whole career bore witness to his
Incompatible bravery, his in%corruptible
integrity.
The campaign Of France was just begin
ming, and he was placed, as usual, in the
position to which his gallantry and his
successes entitled him-leading the ad-
vance guard. His divisions formed the
first barrier that the enemy would en-
counter. He was one of those upon whom
fell the task Of checking, of turning back
if possible, those threatening forces creep
ing across the frontier through the break
at Wissembourg, swelling, broadening
out, stretching from side to side, an end
less line, marching against our regiments.
Battle was in the air. One felt it beside
him. Tomorrow or next day would deliver
them to it.
just at this time, too, suddenly as a
thunderbolt, a frightful torture fell upon
this old chief. An ugly had come
to his ears-how it matters not-an ugly
INT concerning a member of his family
she who was nearest and dearest to him,
his beautiful young wife.
Calumny is always infamous, but also
always skillful. 1t had choscn-to make
the thing moro probable still-to link with
hers the name of "A young officer of his own
staff, the bravest and handsomest of all.
This was Albert de Rancet, aid -de.camp
to this old soldier, whom, they said, he
(De Rancet) had betrayed.
At first the old chief believed nothing;
duplicity Disguised him, villainy aston
ished and found him incredulous. 1t
seemed to him impossible that the uniform
could cover the soul of felon.
But this morning, under the shock Of
the revelation that had come in the ex-
plicit words and charges Of this rumor, he
had thrown upon DE Rancet q stern,
searching glance, and he saw-he knew
that he saw-in that face, always hitherto
SO frank and open, a sudden trouble that
sought to hide itself from his eye.
"A UuOuSuIlu llClhOuVS ChllIC DuUh w HE
memory, a thousand others to prove them
true, and all the while that he was giving
his orders for the day, his breast oppressed
by an intolerable anguish, he was asking
himself:
SIS it true? Is it true: Can it possibly
be true?"
He-this man before him, whom he had
loved like a son! She-to whom, not con-
tent with giving his name and tender
ness, he had sought by every means in his
power to give all existence happy and
envied, and who for days and days had
wept such floods Of bitter tears on seeing
him starting upon this campaign. Tears
for himp No. He understood everything
now. Tears for the other, whom he In
leaving had carried away.
The other-that is to say, that young,
elegant officer-whom he had taken upon
his staff at first for his name and his man
ner and because 1t was necessary that he,
since his master, the emperor. desired 1t 80,
should have a brilliant staff.
How he had helped him too! How he
had pushed him forward, leaving no single
thing undone to make him, De Ranoet.
climb more quickly the different grades Of
his many promotions! Why, only a week
ago he had raised him, that Judas traitor,
to the glorious ranks of the Legion Of
Honor. Upon whose persuasions? Great
God! Upon hers-his wife's; her per-
suasions only!
A dull fury invaded his soul as he
thought of these things and realized their
meaning. Nevertheless he held up his
head as calm apparently as ever to those
who surrounded him and to whom he was
giving his last instructions before the i'm
pending struggle.
All the while, however, he was think
ing, all the while planning. and his voice
as he talked grew so low and hoarse that
he scarcely recognized it as his own.
"And now, messieurs," said he, there
10 one thing more. 1t is my intention to
inform myself exactly, apart from the re-
ports of the spies, of the enemy's precise
position. At 10 o'clock, then, this morn
ing there will be a reconnaissance, headed
by me, your commander in chief-a recon.
n~oissance, I said, not an expedition. /
shall require to accompany me, therefore,
but one or two officers-you, De Rancet,
for one, and the commandments, Lastic and
Pontiac. Behind us will follow a single
squad Of dragons. Rendezvous here in 20
minutes. Messieurs, au revoir!"
Half an hour later the little troop was
ready and soon deflling at a slow trot Of
the horses past regiment after regiment,
fortified or oamped each side Of the route.
The chief rode alone In advance, erect
and stately on his own great roam charger,
his eyes upon the line Of the horizon, lost
under the hop vincs and swarming already
perhaps with the onfants perdus of the
enemy. His face was singularly pale to
those who knew him, the ruddy pink OF
his cheeks faded to a yellow pallor.
But they had passed the French outposts
now and were in the open country. The
chief waved his hand; his officers ap-
preached.
81 think, messieurs, " said he, but with
out hating, THAT it won't be long now
before we sec something. Commandments
Lastic and Pontiac, bid the escort ride 80
PAGES behind and remain behind with
them. You, De Rancet, ride with me. All
watch we'll and keep your eyes open for
that which Is before u.s."
The aid.de -oamp, with a light and
graceful bound Of his horse, drew up to
his chief, but still, rs a mark Of respect
perhaps, a little behind him.
Nearer. nearer, I say" And the old
chief obliged his aid to ride side by side
with him, both Of them squirting forward
at a sweeping trot, while behind them
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