“Is that all?”
“Yes.”
“The pistols are loaded, then.”
“Very well, inform Sir John.”
One of the seconds approached Sir John. The other measured off five paces. Roland saw that the distance was greater than he had supposed.
“Excuse me,” he said, “I said three paces.”
“Five,” replied the officer who was measuring the distance.
“Not at all, dear friend, you are wrong.”
He turned to Sir John and to the other second questioningly.
“Three paces will do very well,” replied Sir John, bowing.