I was about to face that man yonder--now carefully loading his weapon--to deliberately fire upon him, and receive in return his fire.

I felt as though it were a dream, a nightmare, and yet I was conscious of no fear, of no desire to avoid the ordeal.

I can recall the scene now, clearly etched on my memory--the outlines of the trees silhouetted against the sky, the dark shadow of the stables, the green, level turf, the two figures--the one short and stout, the other tall and slender--talking earnestly; the deep blue of the sky overhead, the steel gleam of the derringer in the open case, and Le Gaire loading carefully, his eyes now and then glancing across at me.

Then the two men wheeled with military precision, and walked back toward us.

I saw Hardy take up the second pistol, and load it in silence, while Bell whispered to Le Gaire, the latter with his weapon tightly clasped.