d by them, within an hour. Having
heard their names, I presently knew them to be two famous swaggerers, who
were daily exercising themselves in fencing at the Arsenal, and where
they often visited Trenck. I went to my cousin to ask his assistance,
related what had happened, and, as the consequences of this duel might be
very serious, desired him to give me a hundred ducats, that I might be
able to fly if either of them should fall.

Hitherto I had expended my own money on his account, and had asked no
reimbursement; but what was my astonishment when this wicked man said to
me, with a sneer, "Since, good cousin, you have got into a quarrel
without consulting me, you will also get out of it without my aid!" As I
left him, he called me back to tell me, "I will take care and pay your
undertaker;" for he certainly believed I should never return alive.

I ran now, half-despairing, to Baron Lopresti, who gave me fifty ducats
and a pair of pistols, provided with which I cheerfully repaired to the
field of battle.

Here I found half a dozen officers of the garrison. As I had few
acquaintances in Vienna, I had no second, except an old Spanish invalid
captain, named Pereyra, who met me going in all haste, and, having
learned whither, would not leave me.

Lieutenant K---n was the first with whom I fought, and who received
satisfaction by a deep wound in the right arm. Hereupon I desired the
spectators to prevent farther mischief; for my own part I had nothing
more to demand. Lieutenant F---g next entered the lists, with threats,
which were soon quieted by a lunge in the belly. Hereupon Lieutenant M-
f, second to the first wounded man, told me very angrily--"Had I been
your man, you would have found a very different reception." My old
Spaniard of eighty proudly and immediately advanced, with his long
whiskers and tottering frame, and cried--"Hold! Trenck has proved
himself a brave fellow, and if any man thinks proper to assault him
further, he must first take a breathing with me." Everybody laughed at
this bravado from a man who scarcely could stand or hold a sword. I
replied--"Friend, I am safe, unhurt, and want not aid; should I be
disabled, you then, if you think proper, may take my place; but, as long
as I can hold a sword, I shall take pleasure in satisfying all these
gentlemen one after another." I would have rested myself a moment, but
the haughty M-f, enraged at the defeat of his friend, would not give me
tim