pedestrianism," suggested Mahaffy.

"Quite right, so I did, Solomon."

"Were you at Belle Plain?" demanded Mahaffy harshly and with a
black scowl. The judge had agreed to keep away from Belle Plain.

"No, Solomon, you forget our pact."

"Well, I am glad you remembered it."

They finished supper, the dishes were cleared away and the
candles lighted, when the judge produced a mysterious
leather-covered case. This he placed upon the table and opened,
and Mahaffy and Hannibal, who had drawn near, saw with much
astonishment that it held a handsome pair of dueling pistols,
together with all their necessary paraphernalia.

"Where did you get 'em, Judge?--Oh, ain't they beautiful!" cried
Hannibal, circling about the table in his excitement.

"My dear lad, they were purchased only a few hours ago," said the
judge quietly, as he began to load them.

"For Heaven's sake, Price, do be careful!" warned Mahaffy, who
had a horror of pistols that extended to no other species of
firearm.

"I shall observe all proper caution, Solomon," the judge assured
him sweetly.