"I shall be happy to give Master de Luynes all the proof of my courage that
he may desire, and more, I warrant, than he will relish."

"Bravely answered!" I cried, with an approving nod and a beaming smile.
"Be good enough to lead the way to a convenient spot."

"I have other business at the moment," he answered calmly. "Let us say to-
morrow at--"

"Faugh!" I broke in scornfully. "I knew it! Confess, Monsieur, that you
dare not light me now lest you should be unable to keep your appointments
for this evening."

"Mille diables!" exclaimed St. Auban, "this insolence passes all bounds."

"Each man in his turn if you please, gentlemen," I replied. "My present
affair is with M. de Canaples."

There was a hot answer burning on St. Auban's lips, but Canaples was
beforehand with him.

"Par la mort Dieu!" he cried; "you go too far, sir, with your 'dare' and
'dare not.' Is a broken gamester, a penniless adventurer, to tell Eugène
de Canaples what he dares? Come, sir; since you are eager for the taste of
steel, follow me, and say your prayers as you go."

With that we left the inn, amidst a prodigious hubbub, and made our way to
the horse-market behind the Hôtel Vendôme. It was not to be expected,
albeit the place we had chosen was usually deserted at such an hour, that