Joseph Conrad

The Duel Illustrated Joseph Conrad

The story begins in 1801 with lieutenant d'Hubert walking the streets of Strasbourg, searching for a fellow lieutenant called Féraud who is wanted by their division general. He interrupts Féraud while he is being entertained by a popular lady at her party and Féraud takes the interruption and the consequent order to stay at his home personally, thinking that his honour has been injured. They end up fighting their first duel almost immediately, but Féraud is not satisfied by the encounter. Thus begins a tale that spans the next 16 years and follows the campaigns of Bonaparte where Féraud seeks out and challenges d'Hubert to various duels whenever a momentary peace allows him to do so.