I desire to die, and to die by another's hand rather than my own.' "'Coward!' exclaimed Watson, with augmented vehemence, 'you know me too well to believe me capable of assassination.

Vile subterfuge! Contemptible plea! Take the pistol and defend yourself.

You want not the power or the will; but, knowing that I spurn at murder, you think your safety will be found in passiveness.

Your refusal will avail you little.
Your fame, if not your life, is at my mercy.

If you falter now, I will allow you to live, but only till I have stabbed your reputation.' "I now fixed my eyes steadfastly upon him, and spoke:--'How much a stranger are you to the feelings of Welbeck! How poor a judge of his cowardice! I take your pistol, and consent to your conditions.' "We took opposite sides of the table.