De Guiche, noticing that his adversary did not fall, threw the pistol he had just discharged aside, and walked straight toward De Wardes, elevating the second pistol as he did so.

He had hardly proceeded more than two or three paces, when De Wardes took aim at him as he was walking, and fired.

An exclamation of anger was De Guiche's answer; the comte's arm contracted and dropped motionless by his side, and the pistol fell from his grasp.

De Wardes observed the comte stoop down, pick up the pistol with his left hand, and again advance toward him.

His anxiety was excessive.