Dick Dent," added the surgeon, smiling grimly, as if the
anticipation of retributive justice afforded him pleasure.

"I will simply put this between us," replied the homicide, fitting
his pistol to the palm of his hand; and as he did so, a heavy
antique diamond ring flashed on his little finger.

"Come, Clinton, delay may cause you more trouble than we bargained
for," urged his second.

Without even glancing toward the body of his antagonist, Clinton
scowled at the child, and, turning away, was soon out of sight.

"Oh, sir! will you let him get away? will you let him go
unpunished?"

"He cannot be punished," answered the surgeon, looking at her with
mingled curiosity and admiration.

"I thought men were hung for murder."

"Yes--but this is not murder."

"Not murder? He shot him dead! What is it?"

"He killed him in a duel, which is considered quite right and
altogether proper."

"A duel?"