You will do me the honor of crossing weapons with me!" "I have not learned the art of the axe," said he, turning about, listlessly.

"You expect too much, Sir Executioner!" I wasted no more words upon him, for I had not sought him to barter insults, but to force him to meet me where I could have my anger out upon him, and avenge the tears in the eyes of my Little Playmate.
Von Reuss was drawing a glove of yellow dressed kid through his hand as he spoke.

This I plucked from his fingers ere he was aware, and struck him soundly on either cheek with it before flinging it crumpled up in his face.
"Now will you fight, or must I strike you with my open hand ?" Then I saw the look of his uncle stand hell-clear in his eyes.

But he was not frightened, this one, only darkly and unscrupulously vengeful.
"Foul toad's spawn, now I will have your blood!" he cried, tugging at his sword.
"We cannot fight here," said I, "within sight of the palace windows.

But to-night at sundown, or to-morrow at dawn, I am at your service." "Let it be to-night, on the common at the back of the Hirschgasse--one second, and the fighting only between principals." Very readily I agreed to that, or anything, and then, with a wave of my hat, I went off, cudgelling my brain whom I should ask to be my second.
Jorian, who was now an officer, I should have liked better than any other.