the challenged.

"Rule 17.--The challenged chooses his ground; the challenger chooses
his distance; the seconds fix the time and terms of firing.

"Rule 18.--The seconds load in presence of each other, unless they
give their mutual honors that they have charged smooth and single,
which should be held sufficient.

"Rule 19.--Firing may be regulated, first by signal; secondly, by word
of command; or, thirdly, at pleasure, as may be agreeable to the
parties. In the latter case, the parties may fire at their reasonable
leisure, but second presents and rests are strictly prohibited.

"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