Duel At Tahiti
p. 52 · Read in the full issue
Gentleman is Twice Punctured
From Our Own Correspondent
Papeete, Aug. 18.
THE days of the Great Cardinal and of Athos, Aramis and Porthos were revived at Tahiti, during the early days of August, when Porthos fought a duel,, after the old manner, with a nobleman of Richelieu’s entourage.
It is not quite clear what started the rumpus. Rumour has it that Porthos flung at the nobleman that he is a Fifth Columnist, and the Cardinal’s friend retorted with an insult equally deadly.
Anger flamed, and one challenged the other to mortal combat.
All the etiquette of the ancient code was observed —even to the chivalric gestures on the field of battle.
The timekeeper has let it be known that the battle lasted 55 seconds. Dur ing that period, Richelieu’s champion suffered two punctures in the arm.
Blood having flowed, the seconds intervened. Honour had been re-estab lished on her throne.
Actually, this is the first time in nearly half a century that a duel has been car ried to a conclusion at Tahiti. Chal lenges have been made often enough, and the details of battle arranged; but hitherto all have been called off with out a meeting on “the field of honour”.