The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1903-11-29

gives from the ankles to the tips of the
toes grip that gives firm foothold These
exercises will prevent many accidents, by
having full control of the body instantly.
The exercises are light and graceful, and
can be safely given to ladies and children
without danger.
1t has been placed beyond doubt by
the entire success of the ladies' fencing
classes in New York and other large cities.
Moreover. as is shown by the erect form
and carriage of both ladies and gentlemen
belonging to such classes, it is undeniably
one of the most beneficial of exercises, and
to the unInitiated the renewed vigor with
which lessons are again taken up after
twenty minutes brisk fencing is an entire
surprise.
LIE MARIE A DUELIST.
The little Frenchman who proposes to
start revival of fencing in Indianapolis,
is dark, wiry and quick as lightning I'm his
movements. He has not an ounce of super
f1ous flesh on his body. Every day he prac-
tees with the foils, with an opponent If
possible; if there is none at hand he fences
with an imaginary enemy. Suppleness and
strength gained in fencing need frequent
exercise to keep it to full perfection. NJ.
LeMaire had an interesting history before
he came to this country. AS young man
he served in the French army, conducted
fencing schools in Paris, and distinguished
himself in duels that were not of the opera
bouffe variety. He is disinclined to talk
of his own experiences, but he tells good
story or two that have a distinct flavor of
Dumas pere.
"It might interest you to know how 1
70 he -
said M. LeMaire, with his pleasing ac-
cent. when / was a very young man I
attended ball in Paris, a fancy dress af-
fair. went CARRIED as D'Artagnan, that
famous character of NJ. Dumas, in Les
Trois Mousquetaires' l knew very little
about fencing in those days, and had no
skill with the rapier. All this took place,
you understand, during the days of Napol-
con III. the Little Napoleon He was
trying TO initiate the magnificence of his
great uncle, and Paris was full of swag
gering military men, insolent officers who
shouldered citizens in the cafes and on the
boulevards, replying to a word with cuff,
or IL the remonstrance came from a person
of quality, with a challenge. These bravoes
were very quick to resent a fancied insult
and so thirsted for duels that they were
constantly devising broils and quarres TO
give them an opportunity to shine in the
eyes of their brother officers and the ladies.
1t may be understood that they usually
fixed upon a safe person, one whose skill
with the rapier was none too great.
BLUSHED WITH SHAME.
ION the evening in question / was stand
ing in the salon of then great lady of
fashion, engaged in conversation with
most charming girl. To us approached
great body of man, twisting a ferocious
mustache and strutting like turkey cock.
He regarded me with an insolent eye, his
manner being supercilious and downright
insulting that / ground my teeth, although
refusing to take umbrage in the presence
of a young lady. We talked for several
minutes, the swaggerer, a colonel in the
artillery, becoming more and more over
bearing in his manner and words. With an
intent to amuse the young lady. who was
somewhat dazzled by his red trappings. he
touched my costume sword with a sneer,
remarking, What a pity monsieur, you are