Napoleon felt it would be the only manly course open to him; so, early next morning, he despatched his friend Bourrienne with a note to Bouquet.

That note was a "cartel," or challenge.

It demanded that Mr.Bouquet should meet Mr.Bonaparte at such time and place as their seconds might select, there to fight with swords until the insult that Mr.Bouquet had put upon Mr.Bonaparte should be wiped out in blood.
There was ferocity for you! But it was the fashion.
"Mr.Bouquet," however, had no desire to meet the fiery young Corsican at swords' points.

So, instead of meeting his adversary, he sneaked off to one of the teachers, who, as we know, most disliked Napoleon, and complained that the Corsican, Bonaparte, was seeking his life, and meant to kill him.
At once Napoleon was summoned before the indignant instructor.
"So, sir!" cried the teacher, "is this the way you seek to become a gentleman and officer of your king?
You would murder a schoolmate; you would force him to a duel! No denial, sir; no explanation.

Is this so, or not so ?" Once more Napoleon saw that words or remonstrances would be in vain.
"It is so," he replied.