"It will be
murder. My friend is a crack shot. At the distance he cannot miss. He
would give your friend a chance for his life by lengthening the
distance."
"Ten paces or nothing," replied Hal.
The Frenchman bowed and returned to his principal. They conversed in low
tones, and finally the second announced that the terms were satisfactory.
As the two principals came together Hal perceived a peculiar gleam in the
eye of the Frenchman, and realized in a moment that Chester's antagonist
had some scheme up his sleeve. Hal thought rapidly, and then drew a
breath of relief. He believed he had solved the Frenchman's plan and he
determined to thwart it.
The two principals, according to the arrangements made, were to stand
back to back, and, at the count of three, each take five steps, turn and
fire at will. Each weapon had been carefully examined by both seconds and
all cartridges removed but two. Consequently, each was to be allowed two
shots, if necessary, and, in the event that neither fell, honor was to be
declared appeased.
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