The Londonderry sifter. (South Londonderry, Vt.) 1883-19??, 1892-09-30
THE RAMONET DUEL.

| WIN 40 NV iihciy W 10 approached DN
the recipients. This was NJ. Ramonet'.
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 a small
room up stairs for the purpose of set.
Ting the difficulty.
Glousseux opened the discussion. saw
ing sternly, Itseems to me, gentlemen.
that my friend Ramonet cannot be ex.
pected to take blow without demand.
ing satisfaction"
UT he might bring suit for dam
ages" said Monpate more mildly.
Eyes, of counsel" cried Ramonet and
Pelgnot, both evidently preferring the
last named measure.
Il 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 nv
friend Ramonet."
81 should accept" said the injured man
timidly, but Peignot, thinking he al
luded to twenty-five francs damages.
exclaimed "Neverr'
Every WE'LL" said Glousseux brisklv
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 Il hundred francs in the way
OF damages, SO he fastened to declare
that it was merely slap, while Ramo-
net remarked, "All l know about it is
that | saw stars"
sit is the law in affairs of honor"
said Glousseux, "that a slap calls for
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 a slap is sharp and
resounding. Now l will leave it to
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 clack!
"Besides that" said Glousseux tri-
umphantly, ''it 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 l are willing to act
as seconds, are we not?"
Here Ramonet, evidently enlightened
by the stars he had seen, opened his Inns
to suggest 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 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 pacesT 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.
81 shall attend to the weapons, and
Monpate will engage the surgeon
1.-THE surgeon!" 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-
ion as becomes a gentleman"-
Gould we not go out by the side
loorr" asked Ramonet gloomily.
eyes | know the way. Follow me-"
aid Peignot and they escaped without
eturning to the dining room.
The next morning at precisely half
'ast 10 a carriage stopped at a short
distance from the spot agreed upon, and
he seconds alighted, followed by the
,bucirinn. (llp,,cca,,v !, n ,,.;ol a. |
Inder his cloak
After short walk they reached the
pot, and Dr. Rousselle, a jolly, round
aced person, said cheerily:
AT the watchman's cottage there is a
veil stocked barnyard and an excellent
sshpond. l have been there before.
While we wait will go and order din
er. Do you like duck?'
Very much" said Glousseux, "but
oppose they arrive while you are gone" I
1.-THE ducksg"
mo, our principals"
"They can begin without me. Do YOU
refer them roasted or fricaasced? How
7ould cells go with onions? Do you like
els?''
81 adore them" said Monpate; ''but
on can hardly get back in time. and
on will certainly be needed"
do you apprehend serious conse-
uences:' asked the doctor in surprise.
Are the combayants very fieryy'
Hardly that" replied Glousseux
lowly, 'but my principal is a man of
onor"-
And mine is full of pluck" added
lonpate.
Very well! Fish, eels a la matelotte,
past duck, said the doctor. al shall
OF be gone long," and he hurried away.
The hour fixed for the arrival of the
rincipals approached.
Your watch il fast" said Glousseux,
nd after waiting a little he announced,