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“Irrroutt !——!

“IU T were to offer him such an allront he would kill me."”

“Is that the only rcason which stops you ? "

“That—and several others.”

““In that case leave the matter (o ne | only swear to me that if [ obtain Monsicur Capdenac’s renun- ciation, my cousin | shall be free to [ choose a husband for herself.”

“Really, Mon- steur, you abuse

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“ Couac, frrroutt, (Tutt, brrout '——"

“Monsicur, Monsicur,—she shall be free.”

“DBravo! I have your word. \Will you now allow me to retire? By the way, where doces your Capdenac live 2

“ Number 100, Ruce des Dcux- Iipées.”

“ I fly thither !— Until we mect acgain "

“You are going to throw voursclf 1nto the lion's mouth, and he will

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you deserve,” said

Monsicur Bouvard, as Anatole hurried from the bedchamber and shut the door after him.

Without a moment's hesitation Anatole betook himsclf to the address of the fire- cating fencer ; 1t was just six o'clock when he arrived there, He rang the door-bell.

“Who is there?” demanded a rough voice behind the door.

“Open l—very important communication from Monsicur Bouvard.”

The sounds of a night-chain and the turning of a key in a heavy lock were heard.

“ere 1s a man who does not forgct to protecthimself against unwelcome visitors 1 remarked Anatole to himself,

The door opened at length. Anatole found himsclf in the presence of a acntle-

170

man with a moustache ficreely upturnad, whosc night-dress appeared to be the coni- plete costume of the fencing school. " You sce, always ready 5 1t's my motto."” The walls of the swordsman's ante- chammber were completely covered with pan- oplics of arms of all descriptions ; yatagans, potsoned arrows, subres; rapiers, one and two-handed swords, . pistols—a vegular arsenal—cnough to terrify any timid- minded observer. “Bah! thougeht Anatole, “what do [ now risk ! — at most two - hours - and-a-hali ! “NMonsieur," said Capdenac, *may [

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“ Monsicur,” re- plicd Anatole, you want to marry Madcemoiselle Nicette ? "

“Yes, Monsieur.”

“ Monsieur, you will not marry her !

AL thunder ! —Dblood ! who will prevent me?”

“1 shall, Mon-

sieur ! Capdenac stared \ at Anatole, who |

was not very big, but appeared to be very decided.

Y Ah T —young man, you arc very lucky to have found me in one of my placable moments. Take advantage of 1t—save vourself while vou have time ; otherwise I will not answer for your days |

“ Nor I for yours.,”

A challenge '—to me 1— _apdenac — Do you know that T have been a master of the art of fencing for ten years !

“There's nothing of-fencive about me, Monsicur !

“ 1 have fought twenty ducls—and had the misfortunc to kill five of my adversaries, besides wounding the fifteen others! Comye, [ have taken pity on your youth I'—oncc more, o away.”

Y1 see, by your preparations, that you arc an adversary worthy of me and my long