Arizona republican., 1892-12-24
THE RAMONET DUEL,

ceived is blow on the face the distinc ton IS not likely to be appreciated by the recipients. This was NJ. Ramonet', opinion-and he had had experience. He was dining in restaurant with hi. friends Peignot, Glousseux and Mon pate, and the first named person had il 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 ting 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"
 "Or he might bring a suit for dam. ages, said Monpate more mildly.
 Yes, of courseg cried Ramonet and Peignot, both evidently preferring the last named measure.
 "l shall speak of that later" said GlOusseux-and q sigh of relief escaped the parties most concerned-"but we must first" he added, ascertain whethe, M. Peignot is willing to apologize to my friend Ramonet"
 "lshould accept, said the injured man umidly, but Peignot, thinking he al. luded to twenty-five francs damages, exclaimed "Neverr"
 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 a 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 it was merely slap, while Ramo. net remarked. "All know about it is that saw stars"
 "lt is the law in affairs of honor, " said GlOussoux, that a slap calls for a personal meeting, while q 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 a slap is sharp and 'esounding, Now l will leave it to AOnpate to say whether it sounded like POut or like clack" The gentleman appealed to replied that truth compelled him to say that be had heard clack! Besides that" said Glousseux tri- Imphantly, lit is evident from the red mark on my friends left cheek that it vas a slap he received. We have now, gentlemen, nothing more to do but to arrange the details of the meeting Aonpate, you and are willing to act as seconds, are we noty'
 Here Ralnonet, evidently enlightened by the stars he had seen, opened his lips n suggest a compromise, but Monpate Interrupted him
 Will you take us, or do you prefer to 'eti others? No? Very well. we ac- 'epi the honor you offer us."
 And grave responsibility it is," sdded Glousseux; "the lives of two fel- low creatures are concerned"
 The seconds conversed in whispers for aiew minutes, and then Glousseux re- marked:
 "Ramonet, you have the choice of s'ms, and l counsel you to select words"
 At how many pacesF" gasped Peig- Dot
 There IS no question of paces," ex- paned Monpate. That is only when Ps'os are used. The sword is infinitely Feierable, for it seldom kills, but al- Ways wounds"
 And in neither case renders the con- ~ants ridiculous" added Glousseux. v shall attend to the weapons, and %1apate will engage the surgeon"
 The surgeOnY repeated Ramonet un- sElv.
 certainly, but you need not worry s'''' anything-leave it all to us. You ave nothing to do but to go to the ap- EI'ed place at the appointed hour. "y"' my friend, hold up your head Ti walk proudly through that crowd
 O0nalists down stairs, and let those
 ' witnessed the insult you received a' See that you have exacted satisfac- ~aS ro becomes a gentleman"-
 CoaId we not go out by the side 'EI; w; asked Ramonet gloomily.
 ls' know the way. Follow me-"
 1 Fesnot, and they escaped without
 ,TT'llnS T to the dining room.
 '1s next morning at precisely half a carriage stopped at short S. 'aD'e from the spot agreed upon, and
 seconds alighted, followed by the W i,Ean; Glousseux carried the swords
 ~',' ,, his cloak.
 e,, eS' short walk they reached the and Dr, Rousselle, jolly, round a, tgrson, said cheerily;
 D6 1' 'ae watchman's cottage there is a N"ocked barnyard and an excellent