Evening star., 1899-01-02
FOUGHT A DOZEN.
The Story of Duel in Which One
Man Faced Twelve.

From Pearson's Weekly.
So extraordinary is this Combat that it
would be held romance had it not been
witnessed by whole army. The hero was
Jean Louis. one of the greatest masters OF
swordsmanship who ever lived and the
combat happened in Madrid in 1913. He
was the master-at-arms of the Sd Regi-
ment of French Infantry-the 1st Regiment,
composed entirely of Italians, forming part
of the same brigade. Regimental esprit de
corps and rivalries of nationality caused
constant quarrels, when swords were often
whipped out or bullets exchanged.
After a small battle had occurred in the
streets of Madrid, in which over two hum
dred French and Italian soldiers had taken
part, the officers of the two regiments, in
council of war assembled, decided to give
such breaches of order a great blow, and 10
re-establish discipline they agreed that the
masters of the two regiments
should take up the quarrel and fight it out
The drum is heard; two men, naked to
the waist, step into the ring. The first IS
tall and strong; his black eyes rove dis
dainfully upon the gaping crowd; he is Gia-
como Ferrari, the celebrated Italian. The
second, TALL also handsome, and with mus
cles like steel stands modestly awaiting
the word of command; his name is Jean
Louis The witnesses assume their places
on either side of their principals. death
like silence ensues.
"On guardr' The two masters cross
swords: Giacomo Ferrari lunges repeatedly
at Jean Louis but in vain, his every thrust
is met by parry. He makes up his mind
to bide his chance, and caresses and teases
his opponents blade.
Jean Louis, calm and watchful, lends
himself to the play, when, quicker than
lightning, the Italian jumps aside with a
loud yell and makes a terrible lunge at
Jean Louisa Florentine trick, often sue
cessful But, with extraordinary rapidly,
Jean Louis has parried, and risposts quickly
in the shoulder.
1T is nothing cried Giacomo, "a mere
scratch" and they again fall on guard.
Almost directly he is hit in the breast.
This time the sword of Jean Louis, who
is now attacking, penetrateS deeply. Gia-
como's face becomes livid. his sword drops
from his hand and he falls heavily on the
turf. He is dead.
Jean Louis is already in position. He
wipes his reekng blade; then. with the
point of his sword in the ground, he calmly
awaits the next man. He has hardly had
two minutes rest. He is ready. new
adversary stands before him.
A sinister flick of swords is heard, a
lunge, parry, rispost and then cry,
| sigh and all is over. A second body is be-
| fore Jean Louis. third adversary ad-
| vances They wanted Jean Louis to rest.
| II am not tired he answers, with a
| smile. The signal is given. The Italian is
| as tall as the one who lies there a corpse,
| covered by a military cloak. He has close
| ly watched Jean Louis play, and thinks
| he has guessed the secret of his victories.
| He multiples his feints and tricks, and
| then, all at once, bounding like tiger on
| his prey he gives his opponent terrible
| thrust in the lower line. But Jean Louis
| sword has parried and is now deep within
| his opponents breast
What need to relate any more. Ten new
adversaries followed him, and the ten fell