New-York tribune., 1900-08-19
AT THE SALE D'ARMES.

=
space, spin stOries-some true. some untrue
many with point, and all without a moral As
thus:
lie Capitaine Larne-yes. he was the worst
fencer in my school, particularly. as I rec1IIect
at the time of which I am speaking Always M
mustache grew finer. but not his swordsrnan-
ship. II explained itself one afternoon when be
came down to sale very beaming and II was
generally known that he had recently become
betrothed TO a very beautiful lady. You younger
viii be able to indicate why il is az this period
that a mans sword arm Is stiff Naturally. he
received the utmost felicitations. for he was OF
a good temper and popularity beyond words
Still, happened to hear NJ Constant little
rat Of civilian Che had been most assiduous
with the epee for some weeks pasO say to hin
with an air that any one less happy than M. e
Capitaine would have taken for impertinence,
Il have not yet Congratulated you On your
good fortune"
"Ah, what need?' said Ie Capitalne. in his
lazy, good natured way II protest that all my
friends are Of an overwhelming kindness. I per
ceive your congratulations IN your eye mon
sieur"
You younger win be able to explain why at
this period man sees so many things that
not obvious. To me it seemed as if NJ. Constants
eye was like that OF vicious horse. but he
neither assented nor eontradicted-
Shall we have turn together with the epze?e
he asked shortly.
/ NJ. le Capitaine agreed. and they were sooz
pitted against each other for bout Of I've
There were many fencing in the sale, and vas
myself instructing pupil. but my ears are
custoned to hear things through the c-at Of
the steel.
''Touchei" admitted Ie Capitaine in . very
short time Again and yet again he was touched
the last time with a stroke that would have
| dissected his lungs "Touche!" he called
That is for the fifth time. IS it not?7 said n
Constant.
| 'It is true" said NJ. le Capitaine. laughing.
Yesterday it was the same" continued NJ
Constant. Five touches to nothing"
| You are irresistible" said the other. humor-
ing him Also for several weeks past" the little
man pursued in even voice, "our bouts have
ended themselves in the same manner"
Exactly the same" admitted le Capitains.
| again laughing. II am no match for you /
would not stand against you in earnest for the
world"
! And yet" said Constant-and 8 sneer cane
into his voice-"M. lie Capitafne LarDe woSd
sooner fight me than be publicly announced
coward?"
! At that NJ le Capitaine took him up quickly
enough What is your meaning. monsieur he
said
"A little while ago. said Constant 7 observed
that had not yet congratulated NJ l. Capitains
on his good fortune
| ''Well?"
Il do not intend to-"
1T can be dispensed with" said le Capitsine,
smiling eontemptuOusly.
| For this reason went on the little man in
sultingly. that consider the fortune too good
/ fGr-shall say-so clumsy fencer? I do not
it is understood quarrel with lie Capitaine's good
taste; the contrary. I propose myself to con-
sole ma'mselle in the event Of the unexpected
I loss of NJ. lie Capitaine-"
| I could have shaken the little man Here he
had been practising with the epee for weeks
past out of jealousy. in order that he might
force duel NJ. lie Capitaine and come cur
himself unhurt. For a moment I feared e
| CaPitaine would actually shake nm, for he
made step toward him with so angry facs
that the little man sh-ank back in terror But
he restrained himself, doubt from cOnsideFa-
tion of my feelings and the cOnvenances Of The
sale, and only said:
Il shall have much pleasure in asking my
friend to arrange meeting between monsieur
and myself"
And he retired, drawing himself together as
he passed NJ. Constant as though 20 touch him
were an abOmination. As for myself. mur-
INJURED with reference to the little rsO -As
sassin!" Further. seeing that N Ie CsPitatns
was with me great favorite. I permitted MO
self, as NJ Constant passed BY 10 scrape upb