this affair between you. Only," added the young man, pressing
the Englishman's hand and looking fixedly at him, "see that it
holds a chance of certain death for one of us. Otherwise I shall
complain that it has been bungled."

"Don't worry," said the Englishman, "I will act for you as for
myself."

"Excellent! Go now, and when everything is arranged come back.
I shall not stir from here."

Sir John followed the innkeeper. Roland reseated himself, twirled
his chair back to its former position facing the table, took up
his pen and began to write.

When Sir John returned, Roland had written and sealed two letters
and was addressing a third. He signed to the Englishman to wait
until he had finished, that he might give him his full attention.
Then, the address finished, he sealed the letter, and turned
around.

"Well," he asked, "is everything arranged?"

"Yes," said the Englishman, "it was an easy matter. You are dealing
with a true gentleman."

"So much the better!" exclaimed Roland, waiting.

"You will fight two hours hence by the fountain of Vaucluse--a
charming spot--with pistols, advancing to each other, each to