The Count’s Revenge

by Bertha E. Peck

In the year 183— there was enacted a tragedy in France that caused a great deal of wonder and comment; not on account of the tragedy, for similar were of frequent occurrence, but because the affair remained a profound mystery.

On a night in the fall of the year above mentioned, an Englishman and a Frenchman—the latter well known as a famous duelist and gambler—were engaged in card playing at a quiet saloon in Bordeaux.

The Englishman had been drinking very freely, and, carried away by success at first, he played higher and higher. After a time his luck changed, and he lost far more than he had gained.

One by one the lookers-on at the game dispersed, and only the two men remained in the room.

Cool and calm, the Frenchman saw his opponent growing more desperate, till, as a last chance, the latter placed his watch at stake, and it, like the rest of his valuables, was lost.

The French gambler arose, and as he cooly placed his gains in his pocket, the Englishman rushed at him, and, in a frenzy of despair and madness, clutched him by the throat, and in a threatening voice demanded fair play.

The Frenchman quickly drew a pistol, and aimed it at the Englishman’s head. At the same instant the latter released his hold, and drawing a like weapon they fired simultaneously.

Without a word the Frenchman, as if dead, fell heavily to the floor.

Struck dumb with horror the Englishman, only slightly wounded,… Read More