The Neihart herald. [volume] (Neihart, Mont.) 1890-1901, 1892-11-12
THE RAMONET DUEL.

The manner of giving, says the poet,
is of more Importance than the gift. l
think, however, that when the thing re-
ceived is a blow on the face the distinc-
ton is not likely to be appreciated by
the recipients. This was M. Ramonet's
opinion-and he had had experience.
He was dining in a restaurant with his
pate, and the first named person had in
the heat of argument struck him on the
face. The proprietor of the restaurant,
not wishing to have any disturbance, re-
quested the party to adjourn to a small
room up stairs for the purpose of set
thing the difficulty.
GlOusseux opened the discussion, say
ing sternly, sit seems to me, gentlemen,
that my friend Ramonet cannot be ex-
pected to take a blow without demand
ing satisfaction"
"Or he might bring a suit for dam
ages said Monpate more mildly.
Yes, of course!!' cried Ramonet and
Peignot, both evidently preferring the
last named measure.
Il shall speak of that LATER" said
GlOusseux-and a sigh of relief escaped
the parties most cOncerned-''but we
must first he added, ascertain whether
NJ. PeignCt = willing to apologize to ny
friend r.: net"
"Ishoull accept" said the injured man
thmidly, but Peignot, thinking he al
luded to twenty-five francs damages
exclaimed Never"
Every WELL" said Glousseux brislily.
''That being the case we must now de
eide whether the assault constituted a
slap or a blow, as there is a great differ
ence between the two"
Peignot thought the difference might
consist of a hundred francs in the way
of damages, so he fastened to declare
that it was merely a slap, while Ramo-
net remarked, "All l know about it is
that l saw stars"
"It is the law in affairs of honor
said Glousseux, "that a slap calls for a
personal meeting, while a blow is mere
ly the act of a boor and may be referred
to the police for penalty"
Ramonet and Peignot on hearing this
exclaimed simultaneously that it was a
blow, but Glousseux begged them not
to speak hastily and then added:
ga blow with the fist produces a dull.
solid thud, whereas a slap is sharp and
resounding. Now l will leave it to
Monpate to say whether it sounded like
pouf or like clack!"
The gentleman appealed to replied
that truth compelled him to say that
he had heard clack!
"Besides that" said Glousseux tri-
umphantly, sit is evident from the red
mark on my friends left cheek that it
was a slap he received. We have now,
gentlemen, nothing more to do but to
arrange the details of the meeting.
Monpate, you and 1 are willing to act
as seconds, are we not%
Here Ramonet, evidently enlightened
by the stars he had seen, opened his lips
to suggest a compromise, but Monpate
interrupted him.
Evil you take us, OF do you prefer to
seek others? No? Very we'll, we &C
cept the honor you offer u.s."
"And a grave responsibility it is
added Glousseux; "the lives of two fell
low creatures are concerned"
The seconds conversed in whispers for
a few minutes, and then Glousseux re-
marked:
"Ramonet, you have the choice OF
arms, and I counsel you to select
swords"
cat how many paces?" gasped Peig-
not.
"There is no question of paces," ex-
planned Monpate. "That is only when
pistols are used. The sword is infinitely
preferable, for it seldom kills, but al
ways wounds"
"And in neither case renders the com
batants ridiculous" added Glousseux'
Il shall attend to the weapons, and
Monpate will engage the surgeon"
"The surgeon!" repeated Ramonet I'm.
easily.
Certainly, but you need not worry
about anything-leave it all to US. Yor
have nothing to do but to 60 to the ap
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