Oxford Democrat. [volume] (Paris, Me.) 1833-1933, 1893-03-28
the RAMoNsT DUEL.
Trrom the French Of Jules Moinsux for Ro'
nance.

frrom the French Of Jules Moinsux for 70.
mance.l
1.
The manner Of giving, says the poet,
IL of more Importance than the GIT. i
think, however, that when the thing re-
ceived is q blow on the face, the dis.
tlnction is not likely TO be appreciated
by the recipients. This was Monsieur
Ramonet's opinlon-and he had had ex-
perience.
He was dining In q restaurant with
his friends, Pelgnot, Glousseux and Mon
pate, and the frat named person had In
the heat Of argument struck him on the
face. The proprietor Of the restaurant,
not wishing to have any disturbance, 70.
Quested the party to adjourn to small
room up stairs for the purpose OF set
tllng the difficulty.
GIousseux opened the discussion, say
Ing sternly, at seems to me, gentlemen,
that my friend, Ramonet, cannot be ex-
pected to take blow without demand
Ing satisfaction"
"Or he might bring q suit for damsg-
es," said Monpate, more mildly. !,
ayes, Of coursew cried Ramonet and
PeignOt, 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
Monsieur Peignot Is willlngto apologize
my friend Ramonet."
~ should accept" said the Injured man
tlmldly, but Pelgnot, thinking he allud-
ed to twenty-five francs damages, ex-
claimed "Neyer!" =
"very WE'LL" said Glousseux briskiy.
''That being the case we must now de-
eide whether the assault constituted a
slap or a bloc, as there lie q great diner
ence between the twO."
Peignot thought the difference might
consist of hundred francs In the way
of damages SO he hastened to declare
that II was merely a slap, while Ramo-
net remarked, "all I know about 1t is,
that I saw stars"
at is the law In affairs OF honor" said
Glousseux, "that a slap calls Tor per-
sOnal meeting, while blow Is merely
the act Of bo0r and may DO referred 10
the police for penalty" -,
Rsmonet and Pelgnot, on hearing this,
exclaimed simultaneously that II was
blow, but Glousseux begged them not 10
speak hastily. and then added:
"a blow with the fist produces dull,
solid thud, whereas q slap is sharp ana
resounding. Now I viii leave u to Mon.
pate to say whether 1t sounded Ike pop!
or Ike cidckr'
The gentleman appealed to replied
that truth compelled him to say that he
had heard cidek!
"Besides that" said Glousseux trium..
phantly, ait Il evident from the red
mark on NV friends left cheek that V
was a 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 notT
Here Ramonet, evidently enlightened
BY the stars he had seen, opened his lips
To suggesta compromise, but Monpate
interrupted him.
"wili YOU take us or do you prefer to
seek othersy Nor Very well, we ac-
cept the honor YOU offer us."
''And grave responsibility 1t is," ad-
ded Glousseux; "the lives Of two fellow
creatures are concerned"
The seconds conversed In whispers for
a few minutes, and then Glousseux re-
:.
"Ramonet, you have the choice OF
arms, and l counsel you to select
swords"
"At how many pacess' gasped Peig-
not.
"There Is no question OF paces,' ex-
planned MOnpate. "rhat is only when
pistols are used. The sword ls Infinite
~ preferable, for 1t seldom kills, but
always wounds"
Sand In neither case renders the COM
b,tants ridiculous" added GlOusseux.
~ shall attend to the weapons, and
Monpate will engage the surgeon"
"The surgeon" repeated Ramonet un-
easily.
"Certainly, but you need not worry
about anythlng--leave 1t 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 ana
walk proudly through that crowd OF
down stairs, and let those
who witnessed the insult you received
also see that you have exactcd satisfac-
ton as becomes a gentleman"
"Could we not go out by the side
doory'' asked Ramonet gloomily.
"Yes, | know the way. Follow me-"
said Peignot, and they escaped without
to the dining room.
III.
n
The next morning at precisely half
past ten a carriage stopped at u short
distance from the spot agreed upon, anu
the seconds allghted, followed by the
Glousseux carried the swords
under his cloak.
After "A short walk they reached the
spot aud DIR. ROusselle, n jolly, round
faced person. said cheerlly:
AT the watchman's cottage there Is a
well-stocked barn yard and an excellent
al pond. have been there before.
While we walt will go and order din
ner. DO you like duckf'
every much," said Gl0usseux, "but
suppose they arrive while you are gone.'
aThe duckss"
"No, our principals"
"They can begin without me. DO you
prefer them roasted or frlcasseedY HOW
would eels 20 with onionsr DO you like
eels"
~ adore Them" said Monpate, shut
YOU can hardly get back 10 time, and you
will certainly be needed"
"Do YOU apprehend serious conse-
quencesy' asked the doctor In surprise.
aAre the combatAnts very ferys"
"IIardly that replied Glousseux
slowly, "but my principal Is man OF
honor"
sand mine Is full Of pluck" added
MOnpate.
"Very well, f.h, cells Ia matelottee,
roast duck" said the doctor. vi shall
not be gone long," and he hurried
away.
The hour fixed for the arrival OF the
principals approached.
"Your watch L. fast" said Glousseux,
and after waiting little he announced
"In five minutes they will be here" but
they were not.
Glousseux paced up and down Inn
patiently, and Monpate smoked cigar
In sullen silence. Ten minutes passed,
fifteen, twenty-five, and yet the ccomba.
tants did not come. Glousseux looked
at his watch, held Il up To Monpste, ana
said In a slightly ironlcal tone;
"Your man has not arriyed!'
.Nor yours" retorted the other.
.lIe has been detained, tht h gu.
IL Ill -.