Catoctin clarion., 1892-11-03
Mechancown Frederick County, Maryland Thursday November g. 1892


under his cloak.
After IL short walk they reached the
spot, and DR.. Roussrlle. jolly, round
faced person. said cheerily
AT the watchmAn's cottage there is
a we'll stocked barnyard and an excel
lent fshpond. have been there before.
While we wait I will 60 and order din.
ner. Do you like duck p
Very much,' said Glousseux, but
suppose they arrive while you are gone
The ducks?'
No, our principals
They Can begin without me. Do you
prefer them roasted or fricassed? How
would eels 20 with onions? Do you
like eels?'
I adore them, said Mcnpate but
you can hardly get back in time, and
you will certainly be needed
DO you apprehend serious conse-
ouencps. asked the doctor in surprise.
Are the cambatants very fiery:'
Hardly that replied Glousseux
slowly, but my principal is man of
And NINE is full OF pluck, added
Monpate.
Very we'll ! Fish, cells Ia matelotte,
roast duck said the doctor. I shall
net be gone long, and he hurried
away.
The hour fixed for the arrival Of the
principals approached.
Your watch is fast, said Glousseux,
and after waiting little he announced,
In five minutes they will be here, but
they we're not.
Glousseux paced up and down impa-
tentlv and Monpate smoked cigar IN
sullen silence. Ten minutes passed, fif.
teen, twenty 6se, and yet the combat
ants did not come. Glousseux looked
at his watch, held 1t up to Monpate and
said in slightly ironical tone:
Your man has not arrived 7
Nor yours, retorted the other.
He has been detained, that is all
Be quite sure he will explain satisfac.
torily.'
SO will mine.
1T is hardly probable that both
should meet with a delay, muttered
Glousseux.
Very true, but why not M. Peignot'
And why not M. Ramonet ?
How do know that he intended to
come ut all ?
Sir? can answer for my friends
honor
But not for his courage Very likely
he is now seated in his armchair at
home.
And where is your friend. may l
ask :?
Your tone is insulting, sir, and do
not brook insults any more than my
client does.
If you are not more ready to resent
them than he is--
M. iLonpate, it is enough. l de.
mand satilfaction.
Certainly. you shall have lt-when-
ever you wish
I wish it now
The next instant they had thrown off
their coats, seized the swords and begun
to frht. Just then Ramonet aud Pleg
not appeared on the scene. They were
walking arm i'll arm and convers'ng
checrfully. and when they caught sight
of the combatauts they exclaimed in
surprise Stop! Stop:
At the same moment Dr. Rousselle
arrived, breathless but radiant. 1T will
be delicious be began, and then added
in dismay so they haye begun without
waiting for me-
Stop them! crisd Ramonet and
Peionot and the combatants hearing
them, left off brandishing the swords.
'Ah, here is the man you suspected
of cowardice' cried Glousseux, and Ra-
monet exclaimed, absurd with an air
CT great dignity.
Here is he whose honor you assailed,
said Monpa'e.
He was speaking in jest observed
Peignot calmly.
The two seconds looked at each other
for a minute and burst into peal OF
laughter.
What is the use of our fighting with
each other in defense Of these two cow
ards p cried Glousseux.
Permit me'-began Piegnot, but
Monpate interrupted him with:
Twill permit you to do nothing ex-
cept pay for the dinner.
THE ducks are roasting, and the
matelotte is excellent said the doctor.
Come, let us 60, or everything will be