The Pioche weekly record. [volume] (Pioche, Nev.) 1877-1900, 1892-12-01
THE RAMONET DUEL.

is of more Importance than the gift. /
think, however, that when the thing re-
ceived is blow on the face the distinc-
ton is not likely to be appreciated by
the recipients. This was NJ. 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
tling the difficulty.
Glousseux opened the discussion, say
ing sternly, "It seems to me, gentlemen,
that my friend Ramonet cannot be ex-
pected to take blow without demand
ing satisfaction"
cor he might bring q suit for dam
ages" said Monpate more mildly.
eyes, of course!" cried Ramonet and
Peignot, both evidently preferring the
last named measure.
II shall speak of that later" said
Glousseux-anda sigh of relief escaped
the parties most concerned-"but we
must first, i" he added, ascertain whether
M. Peignot is willing to apologize to my
friend Ramonet."
'1should accept" said the injured man
timidly, but Peignot, thinking he al
luded to twenty-five francs damages,
exclaimed "Never"
Every WE'LL" said Glousseux briskly.
"That being the case we must now de-
eide whether the assault constituted q
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 hastened to declare
that it was merely slap, while Ramo-
net remarked, "All I know about it ia
that saw stars"
sit is the law in affairs of honor"
said Glousseux, "that slap calls for a
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 clackr'
The gentleman appealed to replied
that truth compelled him to say that
he had heard clackl
Besides that" said Glousseux tri-
umphantly, sit is evident from the red
mark on my friends left cheek that il
was slap he received. We have now
gentlemen, nothing more to do but tc
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 well, we &C
.cept the honor you offer u.s."
"And o grave responsibility 1t is,
added Glousseux; "the lives of two fel
low creatures are concerned"
The seconds conversed in whispers fol
few minutes, and then Glousseux re-
marked:
"Ramonet, you have the choice oi
arms, and I counsel you to select
swords"
"At how many paces? gasped Peig
not.
"There is no question of paces," ex
planned Monpate. "That is only wher
pistols are used. The sword is infinitely
preferable, for it seldom kills, but al
ways wounds"
Sand in neither case renders the com
batants ridiculous" added Glousseux
81 shall attend to the weapons, and
Monpate will engage the surgeon"
1.-THE surgeonr' repeated Ramonet un
easily.
"Certainly, but you need not worry
about anything-leave it 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'-
"Could we not go out by the sid,
loor" 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 shor
distance from the spot agreed upon, ant
the seconds alighted, followed by th.
physician; Glousseux carried the sword,
under his cloak.
After short walk they reached tn,
spot, and DR.. Rousselle, q jolly, rount
faced person, said cheerily:
cat the watchman's cottage there is
well stocked barnyard and an excellen'
49, --- ~~-- - -~
6shpond. I have been there before
While we wait l will go and order din
ner. Do you like duckY
Every much," said Glousseux, "bu
suppose they arrive while you are gone.
1.-The ducksr'
mo, our principals"
"They can begin without me. Doyol
prefer them roasted or fricasseed2 How
would eels go with onions2 Do you lik,
eels2'
"I adore them," said Monpate; ''bu
Won can hardly Qet hack in tima an,