Gloucester County Democrat., 1892-10-06
THE RAMONET DUEL.

THE RAMONET DUEL.
The manner of giving, says the poet,
Is of more importance than the gift. l
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. Ramonets
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, 1T seems to me, gentlemen,
\ that my friend Ramonet cannot be ex-
pected to take blow without demand
ing satisfaction"
''Or he might bring suit for dam
ages, said Monpate more mildly.
Eyes, of courser 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
tinidly, but Peignot, thinking he al
luded to twenty-five francs damages,
exclaimed ''Neyer!''
I Very well, said Glousseux briskly.
''That being the case we must now de-
eide whether the assault constituted
slap or a 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, 50 he hastened to declare
that it was merely slap, while Ramo-
net remarked, An l know about it is
that | saw stars"
lit is the law in affairs of honor"
said Glnussaily chat a elan ralIe fas .
+ 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 a 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 clacl1!n
The gentleman appealed to replied
that truth compelled him to say that
he had heard clack
Besides that" said Glousseux til
umphantly, lit 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:"
4 Here Ramonet, evidently enlightened
by the stars he had seen, opened his lips
/ to suggest Il compromise, but Monpate
I interrupted him.
will you take US, or do you prefer to
seek others? No? Very well, 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
a few minutes, and then Glousseux re-
marked:
"Ramonet, you have the choice Of
arms, and | counsel YOU to select
swords"
"At how many pacess" gasped Peig-
not
There is no question Of PAGES 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.
III shall attend to the weapons, and
Monpate will engage the surgeon
'tThe surgeon! repeated Ramonet I'M
easily.
.'Certainl but you need not worry
about anyt- g-leave it all to US. You
have nothing to do but to 20 to the ap-
pointed place at the appointed hour.
Now, my friend, hold up your head
rnd walk proudly through that crowd
Df journalists down stairs, and let those
who witnessed the insult you received
Llso see that you have exacted satisfac-
ton as becomes gentleman"
''Could we not 90 out by the side
door, asked Ramonet gloomily.
Yes l know the way Follow me,
said Peignot, and they escaped without
returning to the dining room
The next morning at precisely half
past 10 carriage stopped at short
distance from the spot agreed upon, and
the seconds alighted, fol we'd by the
physician; Glousseux car 1.-THE swords
lnder his cloak.
After short walk they reached the
spot, and DIR. Rousselle, a jolly, round
faced person, said chcerily:
cat the watchman's cottage there is
veil stocked barnydrd and an excellent
fishpone. have been there before.
; While we wait | viii go and order din
ner. Do you like duck:"
Very much," said Glousseux, 'sbut
suppose they arrive while you are gone. .
1.-The duckss.
''No, our principals
"They can begin without me. Do you
prefer them roasted or fricasseed? How
would eels 60 with onions? Do You like
eels!'
Il adore them," said Monpate; 'sbut
you can hardly get back in time, and
yon will certainly be needed"
''Do you apprehend serious conse-
quencesY asked the doctor in surprise.
"Are the combatants very fiery?"
Hardly that replied Glousseux
slowly, '.but my principal is man Of
honor
And mine is full of pluck" added
Monpate.
Very well! Fish, eels a la matelotte,
! al Il Al.