The Middleburgh post. [volume] (Middleburgh, Snyder Co., Pa.) 1883-1916, 1899-06-15

and two-handed swords, pistols, lances;
there was plenty there TO make timid
heart quail.
"Bah," thought Anatole, what do ]
risk now? Two hours and half at the
most. Here goes"
Monsieur" said Anatole, "you are
going to marry Mile. Nicette7"
"Yes, monster"
Monsieur, you shall not marry her. ;"
"Blood and thunder, and who will
hinder mc?"
II will"
Capendac looked sskance ut Anatole,
who was not large man, but who
seemed very determined.
"Ah, young man." said he at length,
"you are lucky to find me in pleasant
humor. Profit by 1t. Do you know that
have fought 20 duels in which have
had the misfortune to slay five OF my
adversaries and to wound the other IS?
Once more warn you to retire"
II see," replied Anatole, shat you are
IN adversary worthy Of my steel, and
my desire increases to measure swords
with a man so redoubtable. Let us see.
Suppose we fight with those two swords
by the chimney, or these cavalry sabers,
nre these-or what do you say to these
: curved ataghans. You don't decide.
Why do you hesitate?"
II was thinking of your mother and
the grief your death would cause her"
~ am an orphan. Do you prefer the
carbine, the pistol, or the revolver"
"Young man, do not fool with these
firearms"
"Are you afraid? You tremble."
II tremblc? Nonsense. it is the cold"
Then either fight or renounce the
hand of Nicette."
Il like your pluck. The brave should
always be in harmony with each other.
DO you wish me TO confess something
to your
"Out with It."
"For some time past have wished
to free myself from this betrothal. But
I did not know how to 60 to work about
II. I would consent very willingly to
what you desire Of me, but you must
understand that I, Capendac, cannot
have the air Of yielding to threats.
Now. you have menaced me-"
"1'withdraw the menace"
"Then II is agreed"
"Will you write and sign your rehn-
quishment Of Nicettef"
Il have 40 much sympathy for you
Tint can refuse you nothing"
Furnished with the precious paper,
Anatole hurried back TO the residence
of NJ. Bousard. He reached his door at
eight o'clock.
"Ting-a-ling-A-ling.
"Who is theref
"Anatole."
"De of to bed," cried the professor,
wruthfully.
II have the consent OF NJ Capendao.
Open, or I will have TO break the door. "
NJ. Bousard opened II. Anatole
bhowed him tho paper, and going TO the
door of Nicstts's room. called outs
"Cousin, rise, dress yourself quickly
and como down"
Some minutes after Nicette, fresh a.
the dawn. came into the little parlor.
"Whst is the matter?" she inquired.
"The matter is," answered NJ. Bou.
sard, that your cousin IL crazy"
"If that be % there Is at any rate
method in my Madness" exclaimed
Anatole. "This very night, my dea,
cousin, I have achieved two things. NJ
Capendac has renounced his claim &c
your hand and your excellent guardian
consents that you shall marry whom
you please"
-Really and truly, my guardian, am
free to marry Anat6le?"
"Ha!" exclaimed Anatoie.
Then, love you, my cousin
At that moment Anatole felt his hear
beat rapidly. Was it by reason Of The
pleasure which the unexpected avowa
OF Nicette had caused him? Was It tn,
pang predicted by DR.. Bardais? Was Il
death?
"Wretch that I ami" exclaimed tn,
poor fellow. '"The cup of happiness Il
at my lips, and am going to die with
out tasting 1t it,"
Then feverishly taking Nicette'
hand, he told her all: How he had re
ceived the letter which contained tn,
flower whose fragrance he had inhaled
and of the prognostic of DR.. Bardais
how he had made his will in her favor
the steps he had subsequently taken
and the success with which his effort
had been crowned.
"And now" sighed he, 81 must die"
"But it is impossible" said Nicette
"the doctor Is deceived. WHO'S he?"
"A man who is never wrong In hi
diagnosis, Nicette-Dr. Bardais."
; "Bardais, Bardais!" cried NJ. Bousar,
suddenly, bursting out laughing
Hear what the morning paper says:
"'The learned DR.. Bardais has jus
been suddenly stricken with menta
alienation. The mania from which h
suffers Is Of scientific character.
is well known that the doctor made
special study Of poisonous substances
He believes now that all whom he meet
v,<,tconaI aud apIaoyaro N pa,