The Barre daily times. (Barre, Vt.) 1897-1959, 1908-01-03
A CASTELAR, BRAVADO.
Revolving Scene Pictured by a
Spanish Novelist.
NERVE OF THE NAUGHTY DON

Striking Description Of the Daring and
Courage Displayed by the Old GAN
eral Who Would Not Permit an Eng
ishman TO Guido Him.
The realistic Spanish novelist,
valdes, In one of his most popular
stories C'Sister San Suplice," trans
lated by Nathan Haskell Dole gives
a description OF retired Spanish gen
erals afternoon out which will illu-
inmate many chivalric Incidents in
Spanish life and aptly illustrates the
reckless daring and courage Of which
the average naughty don Is literally
possessed. The scene is a sort Of pic
mic grounds IN the outskirts OF Seville:
Meantime the animation had been
on the increase among the rufiians.
The period of unmannerly action had
come. One of them climbed upon
table to make a speech, and then the
others, by way of applause threw
sherry and manzanilla in his face.
Another was trying TO lift with his
teeth d companion whom drunkenness
had stretched out on the floor. He did
not succeed He merely tore his sack
coat. Still others were committing
absurd and extravagant actions. max
ing a great noise and uproar.
"The count remained grave and
silent, drinking one glass Of sherry
after another. But his eyes were no
longer, as usual, incomprehensible and
unfathomable, like those of man tired
of life. Though he did not speak or
move about he seemed different
man.
1.-THE Englishman had taken Off his
Jacket and waisteoat and, rolling up
his shirt sleeves, was exhibiting his
biceps, which We're really powerful.
and trying to break empty bottles on
his arm. Once blood had come. but he
went on breaking the bottles without
paying any attention to it. Then he
asked the waiter to bring a bottle Of
rum and large glass. He filed this
to the brim with the liquor. and then
without moving q muscle or
even winking, he drained 1t to the bot
tom. Then he sat down at the table
opposite the count and said solemnly:
"'You can't do that
"a fash Of fury cleaned through
the harebrained nobleman's eyes, but
he succeeded in restraining himself,
and, turning the rest Of the bottle into
the glass, he calmly ordered the watt
er TO bring him some pepper He
threw III a pinch Of 1t, then threw into
1t his cigar ashes heaped up before
him and, without saying word, with
the same scormfni, contemptuous smile.
drained the glass and, not content with
that, bit it In pieces. We saw his lips
spotted with blood. The company re-
ceiyed with oles and shouts Of tri.
umph this proof Of ain unconquerable
stomach, IN which It seemed as though
the national honor were concerned.
sour neighbors In the other booths
must have reachea the same happy
grade Of temperature, for nothing was
heard but extrayagant shouts, the
crashing Of glasses, coarse laughter
and swearing.
"The count was not yet satisfied
with his victory over the Englishman
While he was swallowing with appar
mt calmness the glasses Of liquor
which were offered 10 him he did not
ease to devour him with bis eyes,
,arried away by a dun madness. which |
ioon broke out. His eyes, which were
he only part of his impassive face I
hat moved. cleaned more and more I
'erociously, like those Of madman
when straitjacket has been put on
lim The Englishman continued TO
roast Of his strength. He was now /
thoroughly intoxicated and talking Inn
enough to the others, who
we're not so drunk.
so you are very valiant, are your
lsked the count, still smiling dlsdain-
'ully.
More than you retorted the Eng
ishman.
don Jenaro started to spring at him.
,ut tho others restrained him. Soon
aiming himself he said:
"If you are so brave, why not put
-our hand on the tablet?
"'What forT
"sTo pin II down with mine
'sThe Erglishman without an In
tant's hesitation stretched out his
uge, brawny hand. The count took
ut Of his pocket a damaskeenea dag
Ter and laid his delicate, gentlemanly
land on the Englishman's. and with
mt hesitation and with feroclous
rip he raised the point with the other
nd drove II through both into the la
lie.
.The women uttered cry OF terror.
III of us men ran to their assistance.
| few left the place in search Of help.
n an instant our booth was filled with
lood. From the wounds great drops
+ blood streamed, staining the hand
which we applied to them
"A doctor who happened to be among
be bystanders dressed the wounds
with the few means at
is disposal. The count smiled while
Aey were dressing his hand. The
was as sick as a horse,
nd soon the count was the same. and
9th were taken TO such rooms as the
establishment had to offer and went
) bed. Every one left, commenting