Sir John, seeing M. de Barjols fall, went straight to Roland
and drew him to the spot where he had thrown his hat and coat.

"That is the third," murmured Roland with a sigh; "but you are
my witness that this one would have it."

Then giving his smoking pistol to Sir John, he resumed his hat
and coat. During this time M. de Valensolle picked up the pistol
which had escaped from his friend's hand, and brought it, together
with the box, to Sir John.

"Well?" asked the Englishman, motioning toward Alfred de Barjols
with his eyes.

"He is dead," replied the second.

"Have I acted as a man of honor, sir?" asked Roland, wiping away
the sweat which suddenly inundated his brow at the announcement
of his opponent's death.

"Yes, monsieur," replied M. de Valensolle; "only, permit me to
say this: you possess the fatal hand."

Then bowing to Roland and his second with exquisite politeness,
he returned to his friend's body.

"And you, my lord," resumed Roland, "what do you say?"

"I say," replied Sir John, with a sort of forced admiration,