“We must make the best of a bad job. You are a good shot, that’s one thing in your favour—​an excellent shot.”

“So is he, I should imagine.”

“With a rifle,” observed the chevalier, carelessly.

“And with a pistol as well, I presume.”

“These fellows as a rule are not so good at handling a pistol as a gun. Oh, you’ll wing your man, I dare say. Sacre! You must do so; and by gar, you shall.”

Ethalwood laughed, and said: “You speak in a confident tone.”

“And mean it,” cried the old Frenchman. “And now about the place of meeting and the hour?”

“The hour is six o’clock this evening; the place is on the skirts of the forest. I will show you where it is, for we had better go together.”

“By all means. We can drive over in my post-chaise.”

“That might attract attention. Better walk.”