Yorkville enquirer. [volume] (Yorkville, S.C.) 1855-2006, 1904-08-19
FAMOUS DUELS.
Sensational Combats on the Field OF
Honor Described.

One OF the most memorable, as well
as one Of the most desperate duels In
the annals Of France, took place In
Paris during the reign Of Henry Nv
between Lagarde Valois "a gambler,
roue and swashbuckler) and Con-
stant Bezarier, says the Boston Herald.
The former had stabbed lad named
Chretien, whom he had attempted to
rob, at a restaurant, and during the
melee Bezarier, a friend Of the young
nobleman, precipitated himself into the
room just as Valois was making his
exit. Dispatching a domestic for q
surgeon, Bezarier took Off Chretien's
hat, with It's rich ostrich plume, and
attaching a slip Of paper to 1t, with
the words, Thou thrice-accused cow
ard, Valois, met me, BaZarier, and
wear this hat, II thou darest," he
sent it by his own servants to Valois'
lodgings and then looked carefully to
his swords and daggers and left for
the Three Brothers, the residence Of
his friend Chretien. He had only pro-
ceeded however, as far as the church
Of the Sacred Heart, when he saw
approaching him Valois himself, with
the Identical hat on his head. It was
a lonely road, and there was ample
room there for two desperate men
bent on fighting a duel to the death.
In an instant their swords were drawn
and they sternly saluted each other.
The next and the blades were crossed.
A Wordy Combat.
For several minutes each man feint-
ed and lunged in turn, and did his ut
most to discover the strength Of his
adversary's resources. Then there
was a quick pass or two, then an in
voluntary pause. 1--WE meet sooner
than 1 expected" said Valois, his face
aglow with the delight Of battle. II
knew the Sieur Bezarier would keep
his promise to meet, but I did not
expect to see him again before sun
SET" You are liar and a cur" re-
torted Bezarier, sternly, land may
think yourself fortunate that I con-
descend to cross swords with you.
Shake not your head in that way, nay;
I know you! Him you did breakfast
with, and ply with wine, and after
wards rob, he was my friend and am
about to be his ayenger. Therefore,
make your peace with heaven, for
short is the shrift I shall allow you.
"Fool!" retorted Valois, white with
rage, "who are you, that, on the re-
pute Of a few chance encounters with
obscure men, would face the best
swordsman in Paris? hurl your def
ance back in your teeth. Have at you,
now! With that he raised his sword,
and with a quick and -nimble rush
broke over Bezarier's guard and
wounded him in the forehead. How
like you that?" he demanded. Be2a-
rier made no answer, but quietly wip-
ing the blood from his face, smiled
disdainfully and advanced to the at
tack. Again the swords crossed.
|. Were Evenly Matched.
In mere skill and dexterity the
combatants were pretty evenly bal
anced, but valois was the more active
and by far the stronger Of the two.
Twice had the point Of his sword swept
like lightning within an inch Of Be-
zarier's heart, and only by the merest
good fortune did the latter escape un-
touched. But his GOODNESS and resolu-
ton, his patience and pertinacity, new
er left him. Even these tokens of his
adversary's superiority failed to pro-
woke him to be indiscreet. He parried
Valois' impetuous outsets with calm
courage that left nothing to be desired.
For the third time they closed.
Though Bezarier was bleeding freely
from the wound he had received, he
abated no jot Of his vigilance EYE, foot
and hand were equally firm and true.
Evidently it was his design to tire out
Valois before he attempted any serious
effort on his own account. OF this
Valois soon became aware, and his
curses were frequent and deep. Once
more he made savage rush, ana
though Bezarier parried 1t, the ex-
ertion seemed to tire him, and he hung
longer on the others blade than was
altogether safe. Valois noticed 1t.
Quick as thought he disengaged and
with a straight and deadly thrust ran
Bezarier through the body. The lat
ter staggered, but stood his ground
without falling. THAT Is for the hat!"
cried Valois, mockingly. And again he
came on.
Wounded, But Fighting Still.
Two quick felnts. two nimble par
ries and once more Valois pierced his
enemy. For the feather, fair sir"
he said. No reply. Mute and grim,
deadly pale and bleeding profusely
Bezarier fought on. The tenacity Of
the man was wonderful. There was
no sign Of yielding about him, and
it was evident that he would surrender
only with his life. Another minute and
Valois for the third time broke down
his opponents guard and. as his
sword went through him, exclaimed
exultingly: THAT Is for the loop"
Then Bezarier drew himself together.
and splitting out the blood from his
mouth, drew his dagger and leaped
like a tiger at Valois' throat. Taken
wholly by surprise at the unlocked for
display of phenomenal vigor, the lat
ter lost his footing and fell heavily to
the ground. The fall doomed him to
sure death. Bezarier planted his knee
upon his chest and held him down
powerless. Then he stabbed Valois In
the throat and breast and forehead,
again and again-fourteen gaping