Beadle's New York Dime Library, No. 10 — page 23: what you’re looking at

Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.

“ —— — Lam too frank not to confess it, “he climate is warm, but | same; mind you, my friend here nature is 30 prodigal in giving ref,eshments, that, in truth, we must attend to the thing, or we should not ive it. “* They will alarm you about the ‘sting of the mosqui- toes, and the bite of rattle-snakes. But have you not slaves a)ways about you expressly to drive away the former, and does not the noise of the latter sufficiently inform you of its yf rg “<' hey will talk to you of shipwrecks. Know that I have crossed the sea fifty-seven times; that I have again and again crossed the line; that Llook on going from one le to the other, like drinking a glass of water, and although on the ocean there is neither wooden sledges nor nurses, I think myself more secure on board a seventy- four, than in the inside of the coach to Auxere, or on the Vidoca, the French Potice Spy. a ee ee + + ee” ce Get up a little, my friend; move yourself—stir about—stretch out your arm—circulate your blood—thrust out: that's a did!~adimirable! superb!’ And during this time Rose emptied his glass. ‘On the honor of Belle-Rose I could make a fencer of you. Do you know, you have an excellent idea of it. You would do well at it; there are more than fourof our masters not so well made for it as you. Whata pity you Were never taught; but nothing is impossible, yon have frequented the schools?'—‘ Oh, I swear not,’ — Fanfan. ‘ Come, -confess that you fight well.—‘ No, not at all."—* No modesty; why con- ceal your talent that way, I can easily ive it.’—‘I Si ma to you,’ said I; * that he never handled a foil in his i fe.’—' Since you attest it, sir, | must believe; bat, ah! | if he saw me would not recognize me. 23 ‘Take it.' He obeyed; and we pocketed the crowns touched at the kindness of Belle-Rose. ‘* He was: soon, however,to skin us of them. Experience isa great teacher, and M. Belle-Rose was a deep fellow ** Breakfast went off with spirit; we talked much ofthe avarice of parents—the brutalities of apprentices’ masters —of the blessings of independence—the immense wealth amassed in the indies: the names of the Cape, Chander- nagor, were adroitly introduced; examples were quotedo” the vast fortunes made by the young men whom Belle Rose had receutlyengaged, ‘It is not to boast,’ suid b ‘but | am not an uniueky fellow; it was L who enliste little Martin; and now he is a nabob, rolling in gold and silver. I will bet that he has grown proud; and perhaps Ob, I have found ee em ene we ee ee - ee wre _ ut what of that? It ia the conveyance from Paris to St. Cloud. That must be enough | to dissipate ail fears. I might add a variety of delights; I might talk of the chase, sporting, fishing; imagine to your- Be hem are two deep fellows; you must mot teach old a i many incrates in my time! 10w to grin; tell me the truth, anddo not fear 't I | fate of max *’ would betray you: am not I your friend? If you have no “ Our sitting was s.ongone. At the desert, M. Belle- confidence in me,1I may as well go. Farewell, gentle- | Roseagain brought on the carpet the tine fruits of the An- a os ¢ forests, where the game is so tame that it neverthinke of running away, and so timid that if you only cal) to it, it falls down; imagine rivers and lakes, where fish are so abundant that t Ley choke the waters. This is all very wonderful, but perfectly true. “*T had nearly forgotten to talk to you of horses. Horses, gentlemen; you cannot take a step without meet- ing with thousands of them; you might call them flocks of sheep, only they are larger; are you fond of them? do you like riding? Only take a rope in your pokcet, which should be rather long. and you must make a running knot in it; you seize the moment when the animals are grazing, and afraid of weiter ou then approach quietly, and make your choice; and when your choice is made, you throw the cord, the horse is yours, you have only to back him and lead him where you please and think proper; for, remem- ber, that here every man is uncontrolled in his actions. ‘** Yes, rentlemen, I repeat it, itis all true, very true; the proof is, that the king of France, his majesty Louis XVI., who can almost hear me in his . guthorizes me on nis part to offer you these advantagea. Should I dare'to lie so near to him? “*The king desires to clothe you, the king wishes to support you, he wishes to make ere rich men;.in return, he aake but little from you; no labor, and good pay; good nourishment; to rise up and lie down pod Pare ig exercise once a month, at the parade of St. Louis; this, for 1 will conceal Hep | cannot be dispensed with, unless you get leave, which never refused. These obligati ns done, your time is your own. What more can you, desire! a od oy ariel ehall have it: but hasten, I advise you; to-morrow perhaps be too late, the ships are about to start, and only wait for afair wind to set sail, Hasten, then, near to Paris; hasten. If, perchance, you should grow tired of doing well, you shall have dismiasal when you please; a bark is always in port, ready to con- duct to Europe those who are home sick; it is expressly used for that purpose. Let those who desire to have far. ther particulars, come tome! I have no occasion to tell my name; I am very well known; my residence is only a few paces distant, at the first lamp, at the house of a wine- merchant. Ask for M. Belle- Rose.’ ‘“My situation made me attentive to this harangue, which I have remembered, although it is twenty years since { heard it, and Ido not think that I forget a single word. “Tt made no less impression on Fanfan, and we were -onsulting together, when a shabby-looking fellow, whom we had not at all offended, gave Fanfan @ blow, which oo mon,’ continued Belle-Rose, with a towards the door, as if about to depar ** Oh, M. Belle-Rose, do not forsake us,‘ cried Fanfan. ‘Rather ask my friend if Ihave: deceived you. I am a nee Bee by trade, and I cannot help my fate. I have andied the rolling: pin, but,—' ‘***T saw you had handled something,’ sald Belle-Rose. ‘I like sincerity, such sincerity as yours; it is the chief of military virtues; with that we may go to an extent. I am sure you would make an admirable soldier. But that is not our present business. Waiter, a bottle of wine. Since you tell me you never did fight, I will believe nothh Sp pet ns & moment’s siience)—Never mind, my delight is to confer happiness on young people. | will teach you a thrust—a single thrust. (Fanfan wore You must promise me not to showit to anybody.’—' swear it,’ said Fanfan. © Well, you will be the first to whom I ever showed it. I must love you! It isa thrust unequalled; one which I) kept only to myself. mind, I will initiate you at daylight to-morrow.’ * From this moment Fanfan appeared less alarmed, and overpowered M. Belle-Rose with thanks, We drank a few more glasses, during a multitude of protestations on one side and gratitude on the other; and then, as it was growing late, M. Belle-Rose took leave of us like a man who knew the world. Before he left us he showed us a place where we could sleep. ‘Say that you come:from me,’ said he,‘ at Griffon’s, in the Rue de la Mortellerie; sleep in peace, and you shall find all go well.’ Fanfan paid the bill, and then Belle-Rose said, ‘ Good night; to- morrow I shajl come and wake you.’ “ We went to Griffon’s, where we procured beds. Fan- fan could not close an eye, and was perhaps impatient to learn the thrust which M. Belle-Rose had promised to teach him; or he might be frightened; perhaps he was. ‘* At the first peep of day the key turned in the lock, and some one entered. It was Come, boys; what, still asleep! Hear the muster cali, my lads,’ crie he. In a moment we jumpedup. When we were ready, he went out a moment with Fanfan, and they soon after- wards returned. ‘Let us go,’ said Belle-Rose: ‘ mind, no nonsense; you have nothing todo but give the twisting thrust, and he will pink himself.’ “In spite of his lesson, Fanfan was not quite tranquil; and having reached the ground, he was more dead than alive. The adve and his second had arrived already. ‘Here we are,’ said Belle-Rose, taking the foils which Never rovoked air, going | tilles: whilst he drank the wine. | said he; * how delicious that is!’ With the coffee he ex- ‘Cape wine for ever,’ patiated on the Martinique: when they brought the Cog- nac, ‘Ah! ah! said he, making a grimace,‘ this is not equal to the rnm,and still less the excellent pine-apple of Jamai- ca;’ they poured ont some parfait amour: ‘ ‘This is drink- able,’ said he, * but still it.is not even small beer in com- arison with the liquors of the celebrated Madame An- ons." “Belle-Rose was sitting between Fanfan and myself, and during the whole repast took great care of us. He kept up the incessant song of ‘Empty your glasses;' and he filled them incessantly. ‘Whomade you such haif-wet birds?’ said he atintervals. ‘Come, another glass; look at me, and do as I do.’ “ These ree and many others, bad due _effect. Fanfan and J were pretty well done up; he particularly. ‘M. Belle-Rose, is it very far to the colonies, Chander- nagor, Seringapatam?—are they very far off?’ he repeated, from time to tune, and he imagined himself already em- barked, so completely was he imbued with the flourishing accounts. ‘ Patience,’ said Belle- Rose, at length, ‘and we shall get there; and in the meantime I am going to teil you @ story... One day when I was on guard at the er- nor’s——'—* One day when he was governor,’ said Fan- fan, ‘Hold your peace,’ said Belle-Rose, putting bis hand upon his mouth, *it- was only when I was a private,’ he continued; ‘ hwas quietly seated in front of my sentry-box, reposing on a sofa, when my negro, who carried my gun, —you must know that in the colonies every soldier has his male and female slave, as we might here have domes- tics of both sexes; only that you may do with them what you please; and if it. be your pleasure, you may kill them as you would a fly; for yon have power of life and death over them. As for the woman, you do what you please with her;—I was on guard as 1 just told you, andmy negro was carrying my gun ‘ ‘“M. Belle-Rose had scarcely got so far, when 4 soldier in full dress entered the room, and gave him a letter which he opened with haste. ‘ It is from the minister of the marine,’ said he; ‘M.de Sartine-tells me that the ser- vice of the king summons me to Surinam... The devil!’ added he, addressing Fanfam and me, ‘how awkward it is; I did not thinkof quitting so soon; but as they say, — reckons without his host, reckons twice: never ‘‘ Belle-Rose then, takin lass in his right hand, his knocked his hat off: ‘Iwill teach you,’ said he, ‘you | he had given to me; and breaking off the: buttons, he | knocked several times on the table, and whilst the othe. yuppy, to grin at me,’ Fanfan was bewildered by the | measured the blades. ‘ Neither them is six inches } guests withdrew, a waiting-maid entered. ‘The bill, and blow: and I defended him, when the blac raised his | longer than the other. Come, take this,’ said: he to M. your master;’ and the master came with the bill of hand against me; we were soon surrounded, and the quar- -el was growing warm, and the people flocked round, try- tng who should see most of it. Suddenly some one sepa- rated the crowd; it was M. Belle-Rose. * What is all this?’ said he; and looking at Fanfan, who was crying, ‘1 think this gentieman has been #truck—that cannot be put up with; but the gentleman is brave, and tliat will settle the business.’ Fanfan was desirous of showing that he had done nothing wrong, and then that he had not been struck, ‘Itis all the same, my friend,’ replied Belle-Rose!’ it cannot be settled that way.’ ‘ Certainly,’ said the bully, ‘it cannot be decided in this way. The gentleman ted me, and shall give me satisfaction; one of us must ’ ‘** Well, well, be it so; he will give you satisfaction ,' replied Belle-Rose: ‘I will answer for these gentlemen; what is your hour?’—* Yours.’—* Five in the morning, behind the bishop's epee will bring weapons.’ ‘Upon this the blackguard retired; and Belle-Rose, striking Fanfan on the stomach, heard some pieces chink in the waistcoat pocket, where he carried his —,° the last relics of our former splendor, * Really, my lad, | take an interest in you,’ said he; ‘you must come with me; our friend here must ge with us:* and so saying, he ve me a poke, similar that he had bestowed on aufan. . | “M. Belle-Rose conducted us into the Rue de la Juiverie, to a wine-merchant’s, where he made us enter. ‘] will not enter with you,’ said he to us; ‘ aman like me mu-t preserve decorum: I am golng to — off my oniform, and will join youin a minute. Ask for @ red sexu! and three glasses.’ He left us. ‘A red seal,’ said he, turning round: ‘ mind the red seal.’ ‘* We executed the orders of M. Belle-Rose, who was not long in returning, and’ whom we received cap-in- hand. ‘Ah! my boys,’ said be, ‘ puton your hats; no ceremonies between us; I am going to sit down; where is my glass? the first come, the first served. (He drank it down at a gulp.) I am devilish thirsty, and the dust _ sticks in my throat.’ ‘“M. Belie-Rose poured out es second whilst he spoke, and then wiping his forehead with a handkerchief, he ‘eant his two elbows on the table, and sesumed & mys- terreus air, which began to yo us. “* Ah! my young friends, it is to-morrow that we are to have the brush. Do you know,’ said he to Fanfan, ‘thet you have a devil te meet?—one of the best fencers in }’rance: he pinked St. George.’ ‘He pinked St. George,’ repeated Fanfan, looking most piteousily at me. ‘Ah Pindeed, he pinked St. George; but that is not all,— he has a most unlucky hand.’ so have I,’ said Fanfun. * What, you too?—* By Jove, I think a day neve: passed, when I was at my master's, that I did not break something, if only a plate or two." *Oh, you mis- understand me,’ said le-Rose, ‘we gay that a man has an unlucky hand, when he always kills the man whom he fights.’ “Tbe explanation was but too clear. Fanfan trembled ery limb, the sweat ran down his forehead in large ‘drops, white and blue elouds pervaded the red cheeks of stry-cook’s apprentice, bis face lengthened, his heat, and he would have suffocated, had he not beaved an enormous sigh. *** Bravol’ cried Belle-Rose, a like men who have ao fear. otnikking the table, ‘ Waiter, his hand in bis own, ou are not afraid. another bottle of the Fanfan, giving him one of the foils. +»: “ Fanfan hi sitated; amd, on the second offer, seized the handle so chimsil that he let it fall, ‘That is nothing,’ exid Belle-Rose, picking it up, and putting it in Fanfan’s hand: he then placed him o te his adve .* Mind, guard! We shall see who will tickle his man. ** One moment,’ said the second of the opponent; ‘I have a question to ask first, sir,’ said he, addressing Fan- fan, who could scarcel suppers himself, ‘ are yon either master or provost?’—‘ What do you say? replied Fanfan, with the voice of a man half dead. ‘ According to the laws of duelling,’ responded the second; ‘my duty com- pels me to: summon you to declare on your honor, are you Inaster or provost?’ Fanfan was silent, and iooked at Belle- Rose as if to ask him what he should say. ‘Speak, sir, said the second to Fanfan, ‘ITam—lam--I am only an apprentice,’ stammered Fanfan. ‘ Apprentice means amateur,’! Belle-Rose.. ‘ In case,’ continued the second, ‘the gentleman amateur must undress; for our business is with his skin.’—‘ That is just,’ said Belle Rose; ‘Ll did not think of that; he will undress himself: quick, quick, M. Fanfan, off with coat and shirt.’ ‘* Panfan cut a scurvy figure; the sleeves of oublet were very. tight, and) he unbuttoned at one end afd bat- toned up at the other. When he had taken off his waiet- coat, he could not undo the strings of the neck of his shirt, and was compelled to cuf them; and at last, except his breeches, was as naked as aworm. Belle-Rose again gave him the foil. ‘Now, my friend,’ said he, ‘mind your guard!’—‘ Defend hl MA ‘cried ‘hie adversary; swords were crossed, Fanfan’s blade shook and trembled; the a weapon was motionless. Fanfan seemed about to aint. [ €99 ** Enough,’ suddenly cried Belle-Rose and the second, ‘you are two brave fellows; enough, you must not cut each Other’s throats; be friends, embrace, and jet there be no further dispute. Good God! all that is good need not be killed, But he‘is a gallant young lad. Be ap peased, M. Fanfan.' ‘‘ Fanfan breathed again, and plucked up. when his courage was mentioned; his opponent made some difficul- ties about consenting to an ment, but at leugth was softened: and. they embraced, whilst it. was agreed: that the reconciliation should be completed by breakfast ing at a drinking-house near Notre Dame, where there was good wine to be had. , the place, the breakfast was spread * When 'iwe reached and ready. “ Before we sat down, M. Belle-Rose took Fanfan and myself aside. *‘ Well,’ said he, ‘you know now what a duel is; it is not an out-of-the-way matter; I am content with you, my: dear Fanfan, you behaved like an L But you must be great thronghout: yon understand me— you must not allow him to pay. * At these words Fanfan turned very red, for he knew the depth of our pone! * Oh, good Lord, let the mutton boil,’ added Belle-Rose, who saw his embarrassment... ‘ If you are out of. will take care of all that; here, do you want money? Will gos have thirty francs?—-or sixty? Ambages f 8, that te fee ae saying, wa dozen crowns from With you are in good keeping, and will bring cood luck.’ * Panfan hesitated. ‘Accept them, and pay me when poe! On these terms there can be no: hesitation in wing.’ I jogged Fanfan's elbow, as much ae to say, our expenses. ‘ Astonishing how soon it mounts up,’ ob- served Rose: ‘one hundred and ninety livres, twelve sous, six deniers! Ah! M. Nivet, do you want to skin us alive? Here isan item Iwill not pass by—four lemons, twenty-four sous. We only bad three—reduction the first. Peste, papa Nivet, I am not surprieed at your making afortune. Seven half-glassea, that is ve ne; but how do oe make it out, whem there’ were only six of us? I shall find other mistakes, I.am convinced. Asparagus, eighteen. livres; that is too much.—‘in April,’ said M. Nivet, ‘and:so early!’—‘ Well, that is right, young pest, artichokes, fish, lettuces, strawberries, twenty-four divrea —that is correct. The wine is fair enough: now I will additup. Put down nought and carry one—the total is correct, deducting the twelve 6ons and the six deniers there ‘remain one hundred and ninety livres. Well, will you give me credit for the amount, papa Nivet?’—‘ OP re- a d the landlord, ‘yesterday, yes; to-day, ne; credit on and as long as you es but once at sea,how am I to be repaid? at Surinam? Devil take the sea-going creditors. L telb you money I want, and you shall not go out till lam satisfied: otherwise I shall send for the watch, and we shall then see——~’ ““M. Nivet went ont in an apparent rage. ‘“* He ia a man of his word,’ said Belle-Rose to us, ‘ But an idea strikes me; in great distress. great remedies. Don btlesely have no greater wish than myself to be led, before: M.: Lenoir between four guards. The king gives 100 frances a man for recruits; there are two of you, that makes 200 frances; sign your enrollments; I ‘will ge and get the cash, then return and free you. What say you! : ‘““Fanfan and I looked at each other in silence. *‘ What! do you hesitate? I had a better opinion of you. 1,-who would cut mnyself in quarters—and then I do not ask you todo an unpleasant thing. Heavens! that 1 was of your age, and knew what I know! We have always resources whilst we are young. Come,’ he added, presenting the paper to us, ‘now is yourtime to coin money; put your name at the bottom of this pate ‘“*The persuasions of Belle-Kose were so pressing, and we were so fearful of the watch, that we signed. ‘That is right,’ said he; ‘now 1 will goand pay; if you are vexed there! is always time: you will have