fire as he pleases and continuing to advance after his adversary's
fire."

"By my faith! you are right, Sir John. That is, indeed, excellent.
Did you arrange that?"

"I and M. de Barjols' second, your adversary having renounced
his rights of the insulted party."

"Have you decided upon the weapons?"

"I offered my pistols. They were accepted on my word of honor
that you were as unfamiliar with them as was M. de Barjols. They
are excellent weapons. I can cut a bullet on a knife blade at
twenty paces."

"Peste! You are a good shot, it would seem, my lord."

"Yes, I am said to be the best shot in England."

"That is a good thing to know. When I wish to be killed, Sir John,
I'll pick a quarrel with you."

"Oh! don't pick a quarrel with me," said the Englishman, "it would
grieve me too much to have to fight you."

"We will try, my lord, not to cause you such grief. So it is settled
then, in two hours."

"Yes, you told me you were in a hurry."