“Yes you must, and what is more, you shall.”
Although the earl objected to such a course, he knew it was no use refusing; so he made a virtue of necessity, and swallowed the draught.
“That will put new life into you,” cried the Frenchman; “and now the weapon. Have your brought it with you?”
“Yes, here it is.”
De Monpres made a minute inspection of the revolver, which was a six-shot one.
“Yes, a good weapon,” said he; “very good. We shall have to load on the ground, that is the usual course adopted in affairs of this sort. The seconds load and the principals fire.”
“How about time?” said Ethalwood.
“We’ve loads of time. My postchaise is in the back yard, and can be driven off at a moment’s notice. Everything is prepared, and may you bring down your man at the first shot—it will save us a deal of trouble. By-the-way, don’t aim at the head—at the chest; that’s better. Mind, cover him well with your barrel before the word to fire is given, and stand as firm as a rock. Oh, we’ll polish the scoundrel off.”
“You seem very confident, monsieur—I wish I was the same.”
“You must be—you must be confident—it’s half the battle. Go in and win.”