Western liberal. (Lordsburg, N.M.) 1887-1919, 1893-03-31
THE RAMONET DUEL.

The manner of giving, says the poet,
Is OF more Importance than the gift. /
think, however, that when the thing re.
ceived is a blow on the faco the distinc.
ton is not likely to be appreciated by
tho recipients. This was n. Ramonet'.
o~pinion-and he had had experience.
BE 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 tho
face. Tho proprietor OF tho 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. say
ing sternly, "Itseems to me, gentlemen,
that my friend Ramonet cannot be ex-
pected to take a blow without demand
ing satisfaction"
''Or he might bring a suit for dam
ages" said Monpate more mildly.
YES, Of coursew cried Ramonet and
Peignot, both evidently preferring the
last named measure.
II shall speak Of that later" said
Glousseux-and a sigh Of relief escaped
the parties most concerned-"but we
must first, he added, ascertain whether
N. Peignot is willing to apologize to my
friend Ramonet."
"Ishould accept, said tho injured man
timidly, but PeignOt, thinking he al
luded TO twenty-five francs damages,
exclaimed "Never!"
VERY WE'LL said Glousseux brisklv.
''That being the case we must now de-
eide whether the assault constituted a
slap or n blow, as there is a great differ
ence between the two"
Peignot thought the difference might
consist Of a hundred francs in the way
of damages, so he hastened to declare
that it was merely a slap, while Ramo-
net remarked, All l know about it is
that l saw stars"
at is the law in affairs Of honor.
said Glousseux, 'that a slap calls for a
personal meeting, while a blow is mere
~ the act of q boor and may be referred
to the police Cor penalty"
Ramonet and Pcignot 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 a slap is sharp and
resembling. Now L viii leave it TO
Monpate to say whether it sounded like
pouf or like clackl"
The gentleman appealed to replied
that truth compelled him to say that
he had heard olackl
Besides that" said Glousseux tri-
umphantly, ut is evident from the red
mark on my friends left cheek that it
was a 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 notr'
Here Ramonet, evidently enlightened
by the stars he had seen, opened his Lips
to suggest a compromise, but Monpate
interrupted him.
''Win you take us, or do you prefer to
seek others2 No? Very well, we ac-
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 Glousseux re-
marked;
"Ramonet, you have the choice of
arms, and counsel you to select
swords"
"At how many paces'' 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 a.
ways wounds"
"And in neither case renders the COM
batants ridiculous" added Glousseux.
81 shall attend TO tho weapons, and
Monpate viii engage the surgeon"
1.-The surgeonr 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 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 insult you received
also SEQ that you have exacted satisfac-
ton as becomes q gentlemanr-
could we not go ont by the side
door, asked Ralnouet gloomily.
Eyes. know the way. Follow me"
said Peignot, and they escaped without
returning 10 the dining room.
The next morning at precisely half
past 10 a carriage stopped at q short
distance FROM the spot agreed upon. and
the seconds alighted, followed By the
physician; Glousseux carried the swords
under his cloak.
After a short walk they reached the
spot, and DR.. Rousselle, g jolly, round
faced person, said cheerilyi
Sat the watchman's cottage there Is o
--NN L-M.- ML