Dupree was at his mercy.

The Frenchman stepped back and folded his arms, as Hal took a step
forward.

"Kill me," he said quietly.

"Run him through!" shouted Lieutenant Anderson. "He tried to kill you
unfairly."

Slowly Hal lowered his sword.

"No," he said, "I can't do it. Neither will I continue the fight." He
turned to his late opponent. "I hope your honor is satisfied," he said.

The Frenchman turned, and, with bowed head, replaced his coat; then with
his two friends he walked away.

The surgeon hurried to Hal's side and peered at his wound.

"Not serious," he said, after an examination. "I'll have it fixed all
right in a moment."

The wound dressed, the surgeon offered Hal his hand.

"You are a gallant youngster," he said, "and I am proud to know you. Many
a man in your place would have killed his opponent. Your coolness is a
thing to be admired."

Hal shook hands with the surgeon, and the latter then took himself off.