AN EXTRAORDINARY DUEL.

Patea Mail, Volume II, Issue 130, 8 July 1876, Page 3

AN EXTRAORDINARY DUEL.

A Dina between two French noblemen is reported to have taken place on the Belgian frontier under the most revolting circumstances. According to the account just made public, the quarrel, originated in a fashionable drawing-room. A count and a duke were discussing politics, and the conversation became so hot that the former lost his temper, and to far forgot himself as to strike''.his noble opponent a blow on the face.' The latter did not reply, but sought his friends immediately alter yards, and sworn to them that he would not see his family again until he had washed out the insult with the blood of his adversary. No time was lost in arranging for the meeting, which took place next day. The combat was of the bitterest description. Before they had fought long the duke was wounded in two places, in the arm and .in the chest. With the blood streaming from bis hurts bo continued the conflict, though hardly able to stand erect. When ab'nit to succumb from weakness, be summoned all bis strength for a final attack, and succeeded in striking bis adversary a mortal blow, from the,effects of which be immediately foil dead, Tbo duke then staggered forward, and, bending over the dead man, steeped bis handkerchief in the blood that bad flowed from the fatal wound. After rubbing the gory cloth on bis face, be tinned to bis friends and said, “I confide this handkerchief to you, that you may hand ib*fo the duchess, my wile. Tell her to place it among the marriage gifts of our daughter; it is the dowry of her father—the purity of his name - ” Scarcely had lie uttered these words when he too expired, going into eternity with .a smile upon his face, produced by the sentiment that bis honor had been vindicated.