Catoctin clarion., 1892-11-03
THE RAMONbT DUEL.

is IL blow on the face the distinction is
not likely to be appreciated by the re.
cipients. This was M. Ramonets opin.
ion and he lad had experience.
He was dining IN restaurant with
his friends Pelgnoe, Glousseux,and Mon.
pate, and the first named person had in
the heat of argument struck him OH the
face. The proprietor of the restaurant,
not wishing to have any disturbance,
requested the party to adjourn to a
small room up stairs for the purpose of
settling the difficulty.
CLOSEUP opened the discussion, say
ing sternly, 1t seems to me, gentlemen,
that my friend Ramonet cannot be ex
pected to take a blow without demand
ing satisfaction
Or he might bring Il suit for dam
ages, said Monpate more mildly.
Yes, OF course + cried Ramonet and
Pelgnot, both evidently preferring the
last named measure.
I 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 RAmoaet.
4 should accept said the injured
man timidly, but Peignot, thinking he
alluded to twenty five francs damages,
exclaimed, Never!
Very WE'LL said CLOSEUP briskly.
That being the case we must now de-
eide whether the assault constituted a
slap or blow, as there is great diff
ference between the two
Peignot thought the difference might
consist Of a hundred francs in the way
of damages, so he fastened to declare
that Is was merely slap, while Ramo
net remarked. All know about it is
that saw stars.
1T is the law in afflirs Of honor,
SAID CLOSEUP. that slap calls tor 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 Glosseux begged them not to
speak hastily and then added:
"A blow with the fit produces dull,
solid thud. whereas slap is sharp and
resouuding. Now | 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 trium-
phantly. it is evident from the red
mark on my friends left cheek that it
was slap he received. We have now,
gentleman, nothing more to do but to
arrange the details of the meeting.
Monpate, you and I are willing to act
lis seconds, are we not?
Here Ramonet. evidently enl'ght ened
by the stars he had seen, opened his
lips to suggest Il compromise, bat Mon
pate interrupted him.
will you take us or do you prefer to
seek others? No? Very well, we ac'
cent the honor you offer u.s.
And grave responsibility it is, ad
ded Glousseux the lives of two fellow
creatures are concerned
The seconds conversed in whispers
for Il few minutes and then Glousseux
remarked:
'Ramonet, you have the choice OF
arms, and I counsel you to select
swords
AT how many paces, gasped Peig-
not.
There is TO question of PAGES ex-
planned Monpste. 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
4 shall attend to tire weapons and Mon
pate will engage the surgeon.
The surgeon Y repeated RAmonet un
easily.
Certainly, but YOU need not worry
about anything-leave it all to us. You
have nothing to do but to go to the APP
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 result you received
alsv see that you have exacted satisfac-
ton as becomes a gentleman
Gould we not GO out by he side
door p asked Ramonet gloomily.
Yes. | know the way. Follow me,
said Pelpnot. and thew escaped without