The National tribune. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1877-1917, 1902-11-20

firing zest. Forgetting the IMPORT Of his
own toast, the lntendant now c1ed:
Have Done with this fooling, men. II
there be mettle in your arms let us see it."
st. Aubyn now followed the example
set by This rival. and the two threw greater
life and activity. into their Wk. The
musicians played quicker ann louder.
Sharper and louder. grew the clashing of
the rapiers, and faster and higher the
flashing. The oDlookers gazed with NOR
bid curiosity upon the twain, now utter
ing maudlin EXPLANATIONS of fright, as
they expected to see one or the other
pierced by the slender blade of his aEtag-
Onist, or mirthless cheers ut some cunning
thrust or parry. nj.
But the most rare sport becomes irk-
some if pursued beyond certain endur-
ance, and so long dra VII was this jOust
that the musicians began to tire, and
finally ceased to lend music to the sport:
Bigot struck the table with his fist, and
frowned upon the actors. lie Gauaien
knew it was no fault of his that the affair
had not been closed long before this, and
highly eXasperated, he became desperate.
Regardless of the rules governing &
friendly jOust like this he Outstepped the
code, and sought to overcome his rival by
foul means, if not by fair.
st. Aubyn's cOuntenance quickly lost its
smile, and a steely glitter came into his
eye. He lunged high and then retreated.
lie Gaudien imagined he had found his
er's exposed front. 1t was no longer
child's play, but the Gascon had driven
him to it. That which took place in the
few seconds following was never clear TO
the spectators. st. Aubyn's slender blade
described a half circle in octave, parry
ing the maddening thrust of his antag-
Onist, and then a sharp ring rang out as
the two weapons came together, and one
suddenly shot out and upward, flying far
up among the rafters overhead!
lie Gaudien now stood shamefaced and
unarmed!
The ringing clash of the descending
weapon was drowned by the tumultuOus
cheering of the onlookers, Bigot shouting
among tie loudest.
well doncr' he cried. Now join us,
lie Gaudien, who put up such gas.ant
fight, in drinking to the health and long
life of the champion of Beaumanoir!"
Again the drunken mob filed and
drank, and as they finished the 1ntendant
raped smartly on the table, crying:
Now, attendants, bring forth the royal
prize that has too long been kept i'll the
background. Let our noble guest behold
the latest goddess of Beaumanoir."
"One moment, please, good Bisot," in
terpOsed st. Aubyn, rising to his feet
FIRST nave toast 10 OIcr, X IL Shall
suit your Royal EXcellency."
Bigot bowed, while above the silence
that fell Oh the scene the clear, mellow
note of an oriOle fell upon the ears of the
jewellers. 1t mattered little if it were a
cry out of season and out of hour. Few
beside st. Aubyn caught the sweet strain,
and they were too drunk with the wine
they had taken to have named the song
ster. Lifting his brimmins goblet, he
cried:
Before we look upon this hour Of
Beaumanoir, let us drink to the queenly
charms of the beauties Of Quebec, the
bellies of New! France" ~
This was received with cheers, when he
fastened to add: bhr
THAT this may be done with proper re-
spect, let every man kneel, and who can
not show this respect shall feel thefsword
of St. Aubyn", f"a2.
This was no slight task to ask Of a man
who could barely retain his seat, but one
and ali felt that they could do no''better
than to humor. the proud Gascon. So
there was hurried attempt ftoo obey,
many of the drinkers aware that they
would not be able to regain their feet,
while not one would be able tou recover
his seat without desperate effortslI But,
amid much confusion, they sank down
ward, some fat upon the floor, some on
their knees. Among the first was ,Bisot,
who was heard to mutter: ftIl
What fool has wasted all this. wine
upon the foor|' while he wallowed In the
pool of liquor by st. Aubyn's chair.
The latter had already called upon them
to drain their cups to his toast, and while
the maudlin crowd obeyed, his rapier
flashed in the air. followed by crash of
the lamps. and the great hall of Beau.
MANOR was suddenly plunged in darkness!
TO be continuedl