But as the sight of a man so attired going secretly in the direction of the Hirschgasse was no uncommon one, I did not pay any particular attention.
We crossed over in the large flat-boat which plied constantly between the banks before our fine new bridge was built.

We found our enemies on the ground before us, and they seemed more than a little surprised when they perceived who my second was.

For as we came up the bank I saw them go close and whisper together like men who hastily alter their plans at the last moment.
I presented my second in form.
"The High Councillor Leopold von Dessauer, Knight of the Empire!" said I, proudly enough.
Then the Count presented his, as the custom then was among us of the North: "His Excellency Friedrich, Count of Cannstadt, Hereditary Cup-bearer of the Wolfmark." Count Cannstadt was an impecunious old-young man, who, chiefly owing to accumulated gaming-debts and a disagreement with Duke Casimir concerning the payment of certain rents and duties, had sought the shelter of the Castle of Plassenburg--a refuge which the generous Prince Karl extended to all exiles who were not proven criminals.
The seconds bowed first to each other, and then to their opposing principals.

In those days, duels were mostly fought with the combatants' own swords.

And now Von Dessauer took my blade, and, going forward courteously, handed the hilt to Count Cannstadt, receiving that of Von Reuss in return.