BEATEN IN DUEL.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LVI, Issue 166, 13 January 1914, Page 3

BEATEN IN DUEL.

A Fli:i;i'K KXCOFXTF.R i'MK PARIS. Paris, Xnveinber "2:;. With a disregard for sensationalism which duellists generally would do well to take asn.!i example, a Franco-Bulgar-ian meeting came oil' today al secluded Montmorency, about half an hour's train journey from Paris. Lieutenant Torkom. it ni.iy be at once stated, lias not had bis heart's desire fulfilled of crossing swords with Pierre 'J-iott. The distinguished Academician has not noticed the Bulgarian officer's challenge. To-day's encounter was an outcome. <if the original challenge, the "Kcd Knight" and M. (,'eorges lireittniayer becoming involved in the controversy, the former by a counter i1.'.lIfng'e and the. latter as a second to the "Red Knight," and also because he took part in the Press articles agaiu-i Lic.ttcnant Torkom. Profound secrecy was observed by Wie few persons who were initiated into the affair. Lieutenant Toikcm arrived in .Paris in strict incognito. The meeting was arranged. The "lied Knight" was to cross swords first with the Bulgarian challenger. At the last moment, however, certain facts werej brought to Lieutenant Torkom's notice, and his seconds decided to claim arbitration.

There remained M. Ceurges I'iviltmayer, one of the most expert swordsmen in France. A UUK.r, IX KARXE-.T. . The meeting was fixed for ten o'clo.-k this morning in tin; grounds of the editor of the Rappd'* residence at Montmorency. Th(! very silence observed, apart from the severe conditions regulating the encounter, was proof that it was to be a duel in earnest. Kacli combatant was allowed lifteen yards of "round. A!, lirciltniavcr. with French gra.-e, saluted his antagonist with the point of his sword. The Bulgarian replied with a sweep of his weapon. Torkoni, as lie stands there, is seen to be somewhat above middle stature and thick-set. His black moustache has a fierce upward curl at the ends, and his board is horse-shoe shaped. Everything in his attitude and expression marks a man of great energy and stubborn resolve. From the moment, the words "All'.;'., messieurs!"' were, uttered liy tht:tlireetnr of the duel, Torkom pressed forward to attack. His adversary parried the blow with ease, and thenceforward it was llieittmaver who took the offensive. . In the first live round Torkom's sleeve was pierced six times. In the third the Bulgarian was wounded in the hand, but he insisted on continuing. . The light grew hotter, and the spectator.-, began to fear a fatal issue when, in the sixth round, lireittmaver lunge,l and the point of his sword entered the Bulgarian's breast. I The fight was at. once stopped, and. after a few minutes' observation, Hie doctors declared that Torkom's wound was such as to place him clearly at a disadvantage. The frenchman thereupon advanced towards his e.ntagonU and said: 'AVe •have exchanged letters on account of ■the Bulgarian campaign, and these let- j 'tors have brought, us mi the duelling ground. 1 am very honored to have .crossed swords with you." ■ "Ail the. honor i- mi'iie." replied the Buig.irian. with equal gallantry. "Viva la France!'' The antagonists shook each other cordially by 'the hand, then Lieutenant .Torkom's wound was dressed, and shortly afterwards he drove to a neigbboriiur station, whence, it. is understood, he took the first train back to Switzerland.