have been the castle platform, was now to be the scene of the
drama which was fast approaching its close.

"Here we are, gentlemen," said Sir John.

"We are ready, gentlemen," replied M. de Valensolle.

"Will the principals kindly listen to the conditions of the duel?"
said Sir John. Then addressing M. de Valensolle, he added: "Repeat
them, monsieur; you are French and I am a foreigner, you will
explain them more clearly than I."

"You belong to those foreigners, my lord, who teach us poor
Provencals the purity of our language; but since you so courteously
make me spokesman, I obey you." Then exchanging bows with Sir
John, he continued: "Gentlemen, it is agreed that you stand at
forty paces, that you advance toward each other, that each will
fire at will, and wounded or not will have the right to advance
after your adversary's fire."

The two combatants bowed in sign of assent, and with one voice,
and almost at the same moment, they said:

"The pistols!"

Sir John drew the little key from his pocket and opened the box.
Then approaching M. de Barjols he offered it to him open. The
latter wished to yield the choice of weapons to his opponent;
but with a wave of his hand Roland refused, saying in a tone
almost feminine in its sweetness: