the grandfather of the man who is still considered one of the
best gunsmiths in London. He handed them to M. de Barjols' second
to examine. The latter tried the triggers and played with the
lock, examining to see if they were double-barrelled. They were
single-barrelled. M. de Barjols cast a glance at them but did
not even touch them.

"Our opponent does not know these weapons?" queried M. Valensolle.

"He has not even seen them," replied Sir John, "I give you my
word of honor."

"Oh!" exclaimed M. de Valensolle, "a simple denial suffices."

The conditions of the duel were gone over a second time to avoid
possible misunderstanding. Then, these conditions determined,
the pistols were loaded. They were then placed, loaded, in the
box, the box left in the surgeon's charge, and Sir John, with
the key in his pocket, went after Roland.

He found him chatting with a little shepherd boy who was herding
three goats on the steep rocky slope of the mountain, and throwing
pebbles into the fountain. Sir John opened his lips to tell Roland
that all was ready; but the latter, without giving the Englishman
time to speak, exclaimed:

"You don't know what this child has been telling me, my lord! A
perfect legend of the Rhine. He says that this pool, whose depth
is unknown, extends six or eight miles under the mountain, and a
fairy, half woman half serpent, dwells here. Calm summer nights