“That night in camp they were playing a game of checquers, pour passer le temps, and Capoul who was an expert player, was surprised to see how readily he was beaten by Garnet.
“Suddenly a heavy tread resounded without, the sentinel challenged, there was a response, and the next instant three of Maximilian’s officers entered the tent, one of whom was an American, a Republican fighting for Imperial Mexico, against the Republic; another was a flashy-looking Frenchman; the third was a Mexican colonel.
“‘Gentleman, I am sorry to disturb you; but news has come to-night that Benito Juarez has executed a captain of our army, and I have orders to select one of you, and march you forth to die in retaliation,’ and the American Imperialist looked sad over the duty he had to perform.
“‘You cannot mean that one of us must die for an offence against Maximilian by Juarez?’ said Capoul Monteith, rising.
“‘Even so are my orders, sir; but I know not which to select, for my duty is most painful.’
“‘Let the gentlemen play a game for the choice—the loser to die,’ suggested the young Frenchman.
“‘A good idea, monsieur. Gentlemen, I observe you were playing a game of checquers when we entered—so set to work and play three games—the one who wins two of them to escape, the other to die.’
“‘When is this execution to be?’ asked Garnet Weston.
“‘Within the hour, sir.’
“‘Very well, Capoul, I am ready for the game of life and death.’