Freeland tribune. (Freeland, Pa.) 1888-1921, 1892-09-26
THE RAMONET DUEL.

i
think, however, that when the thing re-
ceived is blow ON the face the distinc.
tion Is not likely to be appreciated by
the recipients. This was M. Ramonet's
opinion-and he had had experience.
He was dining in restaurant with his
friends Peignot, Glousseux and Mon
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 small
room up stairs for the purpose of set
ting the difficulty.
Glousseux opened the discussion, say
ing sternly, 1T seems to me, gentlemen,
that my friend Ramonet cannot be ex-
pected to take blow without demand
ing satisfaction"
"Or he might bring a suit for dam
ages" said Monpate more mildly.
"Yes, of coursep cried Ramonet and
Peignot, both evidently preferring the
last named measure.
II shall speak of that later" said
Glousseux-and sigh of relief escaped
the parties most concerned-"but we
must first" he added, ascertain whether
M. Peignot is willing to apologize to my
friend Ramonet."
"Ishould accept, said the injured man
timidly, but Peignot, thinking he al
luded to twenty-five francs damages,
exclaimed "Neverp
VERY WELL" said Glousseux briskly.
"That being the case we must now de-
eide whether the assault constituted a
slap or blow, as there is great differ
ence between the two."
Peignot thought the difference might
consist of hundred francs in the way
of damages, so he hastened to declare
that 1t was merely slap, while Ramo-
net remarked, "All know about it is
that saw stars"
"It Is the law in affairs of honor, ~
said Glousseux, that slap calls for q
personal meeting, while blow is mere.
ly the act of 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:
"a blow with the fist produces dull,
solid thud, whereas 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 clackl
Besides that" said Glousseux tri-
umphantly, ''it is evident from the red
mark on my friends left cheek that it
was slap he received. We have now,
gentlemen, nothing more to do but tr
arrange the details of the meeting
Monpate, you and l are willing to act
as seconds, are we notT
Here Ramonet, evidently enlightened
by the stars he had seen, opened his lips
to suggest compromise, but Monpate
interrupted him.
"Will you take us, or do you prefer to
seek othersr No? Very we'll, we ac.
cept the honor you offer u.s."
"And grave responsibility it is"
added Glousseux; "the lives of two fell
low creatures are concerned"
The seconds conversed in whispers for
few minutes, and then Glousseux re-
marked:
"Ramonet, you have the choice Of
arms, and l counsel you to selec
swords"
"At how many pacesf" gasped Peig
not.
'There is no question of paces," ex
planned Monpate. "That is only whei
pistols are used. The sword is infinitel,
preferable, for it seldom kills, but al
ways wounds"
"And in neither case renders the com
batants ridiculous" added Glousseux
81 shall attend to the weapons, ant
Monpate will engage the surgeon"
"The surgeon" repeated Ramonet un
easily.
Certainly, but you need not worry
about anything-leave 1t all to us. Yor
have nothing to do but to go to the ap
pointed place at the appointed hour
Now, my friend, hold up your heat
and walk proudly through that crowt
of journalists down stairs, and let thos,
who witnessed the insult you received
also see that you have exacted satisfac
ton as becomes gentleman"--
Gould we not go out by the sid
door" asked Ramonet gloomily.
"Yes. know the way. Follow me,
said Peignot, and they escaped withou
returning to the dining room.
The next morning at precisely hal
past 10 carriage stopped at a shor
distance from the spot agreed upon, an,
the seconds alighted, followed by tn
physician; Glousseux carried the sword
under his cloak.
After a short walk they reached tn
spot, and DR.. Rousselle, jolly, roun'
faced person, said cheerily:
"At the watchman's cottage there is
we'll stocked barnyard and an excellen