The Manitowoc pilot. [volume] (Manitowoc, Wis.) 1859-1932, 1899-04-20

'As for you," thought NJ Bonsard,
"you are putting your head in the lions
mouth, and you will be taught lesson
that you deserve to learn"
Meanwhile Anatole hastened to the
address indicated. When he arrived
there it was six o'clock in the morning.
g-a-ling-a-ling."
'Who is there?" said a, deep voice
from within.
"Open. am the bearer of very i'm
portant message from NJ. Bousard."
He heard the noise of a safety-chain
being displaced, and of a key with which
three locks were successfully opened.
Here is a man well defended"
thought Anatole.
Finally the door was opened. Ana
tole found himself in the presence of
gentleman with large, curled mus
tache, who wore fencing costume as
his night-dress.
always ready, you see. 1t is my in
vention.'' =
The walls of the ante-chamber were
hidden by suits of armor. In the little
his visitor, be saw only weapons galore;
ataghans, poisoned arrows, sabres, one
and two-handed swords, pistols, lances;
there was plenty there to make timid
heart quail.
"Bah," thought Anatole, what do l
risk now? Two hours and a half at the
most. Here goes"
Monsieur" said Anatole, 'you are
going to marry Mile. Nicette?"
"Yes, monster"
monsieur, you shall not marry her"
"Blood and thunder, and who will
hinder me?"
81 will"
Capendac looked askance at 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 it. 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
Il see," replied Anatole, that you are
an adversary worthy of my steel. and
my desire increases to measure swords
with man so redoubtable. Let us see.
Suppose we fight with those two swords
by the chimney, or these cavalry sabers,
are these-or what do you say to these
curved ataghans. You don't decide.
Why do you hesitate?'
Il was thinking of your mother and
the grief your death would cause her."
81 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."
81 tremble? 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 you?"
"Out with it,"
"For some time past have wished
to free myself from this betrothal. But
l did not know how to go to work about
it. l would consent very willingly to
what you desire of me, but you must
understand that l, Capendac, cannot
have the air of yielding to threats
Now, you have menaced me-"
81 withdraw the menace"
"Then it is agreed"
"Will you write and sign your relin-
quishment of Nicette?"
81 have so much sympathy for you
that 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 there?"
"Anatole."
"Be off to bed" cried the professor,
wrathfully.
81 have the consent of NJ. Capendac.
Open or l will have to break the door,
NJ. Bousard opened it, Anatole
showed him the paper, and going to the
door of Nicette's room. called out:
Cousin. rise, dress yourself quickly
and come down"
NOlHt minutes dIitI .NlCtttt, licSu dS
the dawn. came into the little parlor.
What is the matter?" she inquired
'The matter is answered NJ. Bou-
sard, that your cousin is crazy"
"If that be SO there is at any rate
method in my Madness" exclaimed
Anatole. .This very night, my dear
cousin, / have achieved two things. NJ.
Capendac has renounced his claim to
your hand and your excellent guardian
consents that you shall marry whom
you please"
Really and truly. my guardian, am
free to marry Anatole?''
'Ha!" exclaimed Anatole.
Then, love you. my cousin"
AT that moment Anatole felt his heart
beat rapidly. Was it by reason of the
pleasure which the unexpected avowal
of Nicette had caused him? Was it the
pang predicted by DR.. Bardais? Was II
death?
Wretch that / am" exclaimed the
poor fellow. "The cup of haDp;ness is