Then Bell will count 'one, two, three'; turn at the first word, and fire at the third.

If either man discharges his weapon before 'three' is spoken, he answers to us.

Do you both understand ?" We answered together.
"Very well, gentlemen, are you ready ?" "I am." "Go on." There was a moment's pause, so still I could hear my own breathing, and the slight noise Le Gaire made as he gripped his derringer stock more tightly.
"Forward!" I stepped out almost mechanically, endeavoring not to walk too fast, and regulating each stride as though I were measuring the field.

At the end of the tenth I stopped, one foot slightly advanced for the turn, every nerve pulsing from strain.

It seemed a long while before Bell's deep voice broke the silence.
"One!" I whirled, as on a pivot, my pistol arm flung out.
"Two!" Le Gaire stood sideways, the muzzle of his derringer covering me, his left hand supporting his elbow.