What I have told you is proof that I have some competence in the matter of a duel....

Well, we have always held that seconds were constituted to arrange affairs that could be arranged, but also to settle affairs, as well as they can, that seem incapable of being arranged.

Let us now inquire into the matter; we are here for that, and for nothing else." "Are these gentlemen of that opinion ?" asked Hafner in a conciliatory voice, turning first to Dorsenne, then to Ardea: "I do not adhere to my method," he continued, again folding his paper.

He slipped it into his vest-pocket and continued: "Let us establish the facts, as you say.
Count Gorka, our friend, considers himself seriously, very seriously, offended by Monsieur Florent Chapron in the course of the discussion in a public street.

Monsieur Chapron was carried away, as you know, sirs, almost to--what shall I say ?--hastiness, which, however, was not followed by consequences, thanks to the presence of mind of Monsieur Gorka....