They all seemed very merry, as if the life of a fellow-creature was of no consequence.
The seconds talked apart for a little while, and then measured the ground, which was twelve paces; we then took our stations.

I believe that I turned pale, for my second came to my side and whispered that I must not be frightened.

I replied, that I was not frightened, but that I considered that it was an awful moment.

The second to my adversary then came up and asked me whether I would make an apology, which I refused to do as before: they handed a pistol to each of us, and my second showed me how I was to pull the trigger.

It was arranged that at the word given, we were to fire at the same time.