"Humph! I'd rather it had been pistols, because the affair would have been over sooner; but no matter. I have an elegant pair of rapiers. We will meet you at six o'clock on the sands at low-water, one mile south of the town."
"That is sufficient," answered Harvey.
He refused to spend the night in a spree as the captain evidently intended to, and returned to his own hotel.
At five o'clock he had Jack up, and they sought the appointed spot, finding Lord Maltravers and his second already there.
In an instant the principals stripped to their shirts and grasped the weapons which were handed them.
The swords were of highly tempered steel, sharply pointed and as pliable as a willow wand.
The sun was just rising in the east, gilding the horizon with its burning rays. A few fishing-smacks lay in the offing. The tide was on the turn, and the wavelets plashed mournfully on the sand, as if singing a requiem.
"En garde!" cried Maltravers.
Jack placed himself in position. His right arm and knee advanced, and his left hand by his side.
The swords clashed as they crossed each other, and recovering, the duelists watched carefully for an opening.