Page:The Code of Honor, Or, Rules For the Government of Principals and Seconds In Duelling.djvu/39

Rh "Rule 1.—The first offence requires the apology, although the retort may have been more offensive than the insult.—Example: A. tells B. he is impertinent, &c.; B. retorts, that he lies; yet A. must make the first apology, because he gave the first offence, and then, (after one fire,) B. may explain away the retort by subsequent apology.

"Rule 2.—But if the parties would rather fight on: then, after two shots each, (but in no case before,) B. may explain first, and A. apologize afterward.

"Rule 3.—If a doubt exist who gave the first offence, the decision rests with the seconds; if they won't decide or can't agree, the matter must proceed to two shots, or a hit, if the challenger requires it.

"Rule 4.—When the lie direct is the first offence, the aggressor must either beg pardon in express terms; exchange two shots previous to apology; or three shots followed up by explanation; or fire