well, sirs. Then it must be battle. You are both armed? With revolvers?"

"Nacher'ly," said the sheriff, and spat accurately at a blaze on the tree
trunk beside him. He had grown very quiet.

"I am armed," said Terry calmly, "with a revolver."

"Very good."

The hand of Gainor glided into his bosom and came forth bearing a white
handkerchief. His right hand slid into his coat and came forth likewise--
bearing a long revolver.

"Gentlemen," he said, "the first man to disobey my directions I shall
shoot down unquestioningly, like a dog. I give you my solemn word for
it!"

And his eye informed them that he would enjoy the job.

He continued smoothly: "This contest shall accord with the only terms by
which a duel with guns can be properly fought. You will stand back to
back with your guns not displayed, but in your clothes. At my word you
will start walking in the opposite directions until my command 'Turn!'
and at this command you will wheel, draw your guns, and fire until one
man falls--or both!"

He sent his revolver through a peculiar, twirling motion and shook back
his long white hair.

"Ready, gentlemen, and God defend the right!"