Grant County herald. [volume] (Lancaster, Wis.) 1850-1968, 1904-12-28

and then produced his card. The
stranger removed the wine from his
face with his napkin, then drew his
card and presented it to the American
at the same time saying in very fair
English: ga friend of mine will cal
upon you at II o'clock tonight. l trust
you will be at home" Barnicourt said
that he would, and the stranger went
on with his dinner.
Barnicourt took the card to an Amer
lean, Charles Maubray, permanent
resident Of Paris, to whom he had
brought letter of introduction. He
was narrating the episode when his
friend exclaimed:
"Great heavens, man! You've insult
ed Jacques Verdier the most noted
duelist in Paris
Barnicourt paled. Maubray asked
him if he were expert with the pistol
the sword, indeed any weapon which
they might choose for the combat But
Barnicourt declared that he could only
use the pistol and that fairly well.
''This won't do" said Maubray. "You
can't fight Verdier; he would make
mince meat of you in no time. But
how in the world am to get you out
Of it? My friend Perkins, from whom
you brought me your letter, would
never forgive me if let you get kill
ed"
"Can't / apologize?" faltered Barni-
court.
"Apologize. And, have 1t known to-
morrow in all the clubs of Paris that
an Americana friend Of mine-insult-
ed a man and apologized because he
feared to die. Neverv'
Barnicourt turned several shades
whittier than before, and Maubray, tell
ing him to remain till his return, went
to Barnicourt's lodgings to receive the
challenge At 11:30 he returned and
said it was to be pistols, near Yer
sailles, the next morning at o'clock.
Maubray went out, and Barnicourt
did not see him again till 4 o'clock,
when he drove up to the house in a car
rage in company with young doctor.
Barnicourt's legs would scarcely carry
him to the carriage, and once there he
lay back on the cushion like corpse,
while the doctor gave Maubray an ac-
count of Verdier's last duel. at which
be the DOCTOR was present, and how
Verdier had killed his man. Barni-
court moaned, and the two men looked
at him as much as to say, Hes going
to show the white feather When
they reached the ground and alighted
Maubray whispered to Barnicourt:
Courage. They are there, as | hoped.
Keep up your pluck
This stiffened the dropping man, and
they proceeded to join the others. Three
men were in earnest conversation with
VerGier. Verdier was endeavoring evil
IDENTIFY to convince them that he was in
no danger, for he was heard to say,
"They are not duelists in America, and
/ can pierce five franc piece at a
hundred yards"
"What is that? interrupted Maui
bray. mo duelists in America? That's
in the north. Ny principal comes from
the south, where the revolver is as
common as a house key"
This had the effect to cause the
strangers to renew their protestations
Verdier seemed very much troubled
you should help me, Mr.. Maubray."'
he said instead of standing in my
way l owe these gentlemen alto
gether some 10000 francs, and they
having in some way got wind of this
affair insist ON payment before | ex-
pose my life Bah! What risk do |
rum"
"These gentlemen are the best judges
Of that" replied Maubray carelessly.
II can only say to you, NJ. Verdier, that
if you expect an easy conquest over my
principal you are mistaken. The re-
volver has been his plaything since
childhood"
This brought on more protestations
from the strangers and bot words from
Verdier. Finally Maubray said
"This is an unnecessary affair. May
we not settle it? Why, NJ Verdier, did
you laugh at my principal?"
"His French was absurd"
"Was that all? A simple statement
to that effect will lead my principal to
excuse your laughing. He does not
pretend to speak French"
go and ask him?' requested the
three creditors.
Verdier neither assented nor dissent
ed Maubray brought back a concilia-
tory message, and it was agreed that
the affair should be called off, All
returned 20 Paris, and the next day
there was great curiousity to see the
American who had gone out with NJ.
Jacques Verdier and returned unhurt.
THOMAS KENT WATERMAN.