Page:The Code of Honor, Or, Rules For the Government of Principals and Seconds In Duelling.djvu/45

Rh "Rule 20.—In all cases a miss-fire is equivalent to a shot, and a snap or a non-cock is to be considered as a miss-fire.

"Rule 21.—Seconds are bound to attempt a reconciliation before the meeting takes place, or after sufficient firing or hits, as specified.

"Rule 22.—Any wound sufficient to agitate the nerves and necessarily make the hands shake, must end the business for that day.

"Rule 23.—If the cause of meeting be of such a nature that no apology or explanation can or will be received, the challenged takes his ground, and calls on the challenger to proceed as he chooses: in such cases firing at pleasure is the usual practice, but may be varied by agreement.

"Rule 24.—In slight cases, the second hands his principal but one pistol; but in gross cases, two, holding another case ready charged in reserve.