"'Why not? Have you not outraged what is most honourable and sacred? Here are rapiers ready to our hands.'
"'A duel!' he cried. 'Here, and now?'
"'Yes,' I replied, 'a duel, here and now. There is no fear of interruption. The sound of clashing steel will not fall upon other ears than ours.'
"'It will not be a fair combat,' he said. 'You are no match for me with the rapier. Let me depart. Do not compel me to become your murderer.'
"'You will nevermore set foot outside these walls,' I said; 'here you will find your grave.'
"It was my firm belief. I saw him already lying dead at my feet.
"'If I should kill you,' he said, 'how shall I escape?'
"'As best you may,' I replied. 'You are an adept at climbing walls. If you kill me, what happens to you thereafter is scarcely likely to interest me. But do not allow that thought to trouble you. What will take place to-night is ordained!'
"I began to move the furniture from the centre of the room, so as to afford a clear space for the duel. The tone in which he next spoke convinced me that I had impressed him. Indeed, my words were uttered with the certainty of conviction, and a fear stole upon him that he had come to his death.
"'I will not fight with you,' he said; 'the duel you propose is barbarous, and I decline to meet you unless witnesses are present.'