The Portland daily press., 1892-10-07
Thu 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 M. Ramonet's
opinion-and he had had experience.
He was dining in a 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,
net wishing to have any disturbance, re.
auested the party to adjourn to a small
room up stairs for the purpose of set
thing the difficulty.
Glousseux opened the discussion, say
ing sternly, sit seems to me, gentlemen,
that 1nyfriend Ramonet cannot be ex-
pected to take blow without demand
ing satisfaction"
''Or'he might bring suit for dam
ages said Monpate more mildly.
"Yes, of courser' cried Ramonet and
Peigrot, both evidently preferring the
last named measure.
81 shall speak of that later" said
Glousseux- a sigh Of relief escaped
the parties most concerned-fEbut 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 .'Never!"
Every 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 a hundred francs in the way
of damages, SO he FASTENED to declare
that it was merely a slap, while Ramo-
net remarked, sAll know about it is
that saw stars"
.sIt is the law in affairs of honor, y
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 thezn not
to speak hastily and then added:
ga blow with the fist produces dull,
solid thud, whereas slap is sharp and
resounding. Now I will leave it to
Monpate to say whether it sounded like
pouf or like clackp
The gentleman appealed to replied
that truth compelled him to say that
he had heard clack!
"Besides that" said GIousseux 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 1 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.
"Wi1l you take US, or do you prefer to
seek others? No? Very well, 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 GlousseuE re-
marked:
'Ramonet, you have the choice of
arms, and I counsel you to select
swords"
SAT how many paces% gasped Peig-
not.
"There is no question Of paces," ex-
planned Monpate. 'sThat is only when
pistols are used. The sword il infinitely
preferable, for it seldom kills, but al
ways wounds"
.'And in neither case renders the COM
batants Ridiculous" added Glousseux
Il shall attend to the weapons, and
Monpate will engage the surgeon"
'sThe surgeonw 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 exactsd satisfac-
ton as becomes gentleman -
Gould we not go out by the side
door," asked Ramonet gloomily.
Eyes. know the way. Follow me"
said Peignot, and they escaped without
returning to tae dining room.
The next morning at precisely half
past 10 a carriage stopped at a short
distance from the spot agreed upon, and
the seconds alighted, followed by the
physician: Glousseux carried the swords
under biz cloak.
After :: short walk they reached the
spot. and DR. Rousselle, q jolly, round
ra~r..7 ,7c-.rn,, So caoerily:
Sat the watchman's cottage there is o