pretext you refused to grant it."

"You will have no difficulty upon that score," said the major.
"I am prepared to waive my rank and to give you every
satisfaction in the name of the Hussars of Conflans."

"I thank you," I answered. "I feel, however, that I have some
claim upon these other gentlemen who laughed at my expense."

"Whom would you fight, then?" asked Captain Pelletan.

"All of you," I answered.

They looked in surprise from one to the other. Then they drew
off to the other end of the room, and I heard the buzz of their
whispers. They were laughing. Evidently they still thought that
they had to do with some empty braggart. Then they returned.

"Your request is unusual," said Major Olivier, "but it will be
granted. How do you propose to conduct such a duel? The terms
lie with you."

"Sabres," said I. "And I will take you in order of seniority,
beginning with you, Major Olivier, at five o'clock. I will thus
be able to devote five minutes to each before the assembly is
blown. I must, however, beg you to have the courtesy to name the
place of meeting, since I am still ignorant of the locality."

They were impressed by my cold and practical manner.