“Very likely. I will not dispute your theory, but I am not a Corsican; neither are you, I presume.”

“No, I am not.”

“Well, then, this being so, we are governed by the rules adopted by our own countrymen, and therefore is it that I insist upon having seconds.”

“I do not wish my dear Theresa to be compromised, and I would, therefore, prefer dispensing with witnesses; but if you insist——”

“I do insist. So there ends the matter.”

“You shall have your own way then. You bring a second, and I will do the same. Will that satisfy you?”

“Certainly; and now please to name the time and the place.”

“The place must be where you struck me; on that spot must the battle be fought, and one of us must not leave the ground alive.”

“Agreed, let that be understood. Now the weapons.”

“Six-chambered revolvers—​have you one?”