is dead," one said as they knelt over him. Then rising he addressed
Hector: "Monsieur le Colonel Campbell," he said, "I claim satisfaction
at your hands, for I take it that your words applied to me as well
as to de Beauvais, though addressed only to him."

"You may take it so," Hector replied coldly, "for you were also at
that house in the Rue St. Honore on that occasion you know of."

Hector's two seconds endeavoured to interpose, but he said: "Gentlemen,
I must ask you to let the matter go on. This is no ordinary duel.
These gentlemen, with whom I have no personal animosity, have
picked a quarrel with me at the request of one higher in rank
than themselves, and are simply his agents. I had no hesitation
in killing the first of them, but as Monsieur de Vipont wishes an
encounter with me in spite of what he has seen I will give him
one, but will content myself with a less severe lesson than that
I have given Monsieur de Beauvais. Now, sir, I am at your service."

De Vipont, knowing now how dangerous an opponent he was meeting,
fought cautiously. Hector, however, was anxious to finish the matter
before they were interrupted, and therefore took the offensive,
and after two passes ran his antagonist through the shoulder.

"Now, Monsieur le Comte, do you desire a turn?" he said carelessly.

The count was pale, but he answered steadily, "I claim it by the
same right as Monsieur de Vipont."

"Agreed," Hector said; and as soon as the count had removed his
upper garments they engaged.