The seconds exchanged salutes.
“Gentlemen,” said the Baron, “under these circumstances the shortest compliments are the best, for we may be interrupted any moment. We were requested to provide weapons—here they are. Examine them if you please. We have just procured them from the gunsmith, and we give you our word of honour that M. Louis de Franchi has not even seen them.”
“Such an assurance is unnecessary, gentlemen,” replied Chateaugrand, “we know with whom we have to deal,” and taking one pistol, while M. de Boissy took the other, the seconds examined the bore.
“These are ordinary pistols, and have never been used,” said the Baron; “now the question is, how shall the principals fire.”
“My advice,” said M. de Boissy, “is that they should fire just as they are accustomed to do, together.”
“Very well,” said the Baron Giordano, “then all chances are equalized.”
“Will you advise M. de Franchi, then, and we will tell M. de Chateau Renaud, monsieur.”
“Now that is settled, will you have the goodness to load the pistols?”
Each one took a pistol, measured carefully the charges of powder, took two bullets at hazard, and rammed them home.
While the weapons were being loaded, I approached Louis, who received me with a smile.