"Precisely."

"Ah! what folly; you have had some words with Alexis. What then? A
harsh word can not be hung up by the neck. He gives you impertinence,
give him the same; if he give you a slap, return the blow; he a second,
you a third; in the end we will compel you to make peace. Whilst if
you fight--well, if _you_ should kill _him_, God be with him! for I do
not like him much; but if he should perforate you, what a nice piece
of business! Then who will pay for the broken pots?"

The arguments of the prudent officer did not shake my resolution.

"Do as you like," said Ignatius, "but what's the use of having me as a
witness? People fight--that's nothing extraordinary--I have often been
quite close to Swedes and Turks, and people of all shades of color."

I tried to explain to him the duties of a second; Ignatius would not,
or could not understand me. "Follow your own fashion," said he, "if
I were to meddle in this affair, it would be to announce to Ivan
Mironoff, according to rule, that a plot is being made in the fortress
for the commission of a criminal action--one contrary to the interests
of the crown."

I was alarmed, and begged Ignatius to say nothing to the Commandant.
He gave me his word that he would be silent, and I left him in peace.
As usual I passed the evening at the Commandant's, forcing myself
to be calm and gay, in order not to awaken suspicions and to avoid
questioning. I confess that I had not the coolness of which people
boast who have been in a similar position. I was disposed to