The Columbia herald. [volume] (Columbia, Tenn.) 18??-1935, 1892-12-02
THE RAMONET DUEL.

LIl6uuS E6lBuOO, ClOuSS0uA anu uuOu-
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, cit seems to me, gentlemen,
that my friend Ramonet cannot be ex-
pected to take blow without demand
ing satisfaction"
'tOr he might bring a suit for dam
ages" said Monpate more mildly.
Eyes, of courseP' cried Ramonet and
Peignot, both evidently preferring the
last named measure.
81 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."
81 should accept" said the injured man
timidly, but Peignot, thinking he al
luded to twenty-five francs damages,
exclaimed "Neverl"
Every WE'LL" said Glousseux briskly.
''That being the case we must now de-
eide whether the assault constituted a
slap or 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 slap, while Ramo-
net remarked, ''All know about it is
that saw stars
at is the law in affairs of honor"
said Glousseux, "that slap calls for a
personal meeting, while a 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:
ga blow with the fist produces dull,
solid thud, whereas a slap is sharp and
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 clackI
"Besides that" said Glousseux tri-
umphantly, sit 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 to
arrange the details of the meeting.
Monpate, you and 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.
"Will you take US, or 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 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.
81 shall attend to the weapons, and
Monpate will engage the surgeon"
"The surgeonp repeated Ramonet I'M
easily.
Certainly, but you need not worry
about anything-leave it all to us. You
have nothing to do but to go to the ap-
pointed place at the appointed hour.
Now, my friend, hold up your head
and walk proudly through that crowd
of journalists down stairs, and let those
who witnessed the insult you received
also see that you have exacted satisfac-
ton as becomes a gentleman"-
"Could we not go out by the side
door, asked Ramonet gloomily.
eyes. know the way. Follow me-"
said Peignot, and they escaped without
to the dining room.
The next morning at precisely half
past 10 a carriage stopped at a short
from the spot agreed upon, and
the seconds alighted, followed by the
physician; Glousseux carried the swords
under his cloak.
After short walk they reached the
u, Us
faced person, said cheerily:
cat the watchman's cottage there is a
well stocked barnyard and an excellent
6shpond. 1 have been there before.
While we wait will go and order din
ner. Do you like duck?"
Every 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 fricasseed2 How
would eels go with onions? Do you like
eels?"
81 adore Them" said Monpate; "but |
you can hardly get back in time, and
you will certainly be needed"
''Do you apprehend serious conse- |
quencesY' asked the doctor in surprise. |
Are the combatants very fieryE'
Hardly that" replied Glousseux i
slowly, ''but my principal is a man of |
''And mine is full of pluck" added
Monpate.
very welll Fish, cells la matelotte,
roast duck" said the doctor. II shall |
not be gone long" and he hurried away. |
The hour fixed for the arrival or the /
principals approached.
Your watch is fast" said Glousseux,
and after waiting little he announced,
''In five minutes they will be here" but |
they were not.
Glousseux paced up and down impa-
tiently and Monpate smoked cigar in
sullen silence. Ten minutes passed, fif-
teen, twenty-five, and yet the combat
ants did not come. Glor5seux looked
ut his watch, held it up to Monpate and
said in a slightly ironical tone:
= ''Your man has not arrivedI'
Nor yours" retorted the other.
HE has been detained, that is all. Be
quite sure he will explain satisfactorily"
$50 will mine"
ut is hardly probable that both should
meet with a delay" muttered Glous- :.
seaux.
every true, but why not II. Peignetgs
"And why not NJ RamoaetS''