"Very well, then, you shall die in the morning. Henri,"—this to a friend—"arrange with the English boy's second if he has one; if he has not, find him one."
The Englishman who had previously spoken at once stepped forward and offered his services.
"Although," said he, "I should much prefer to see this affair settled peacefully."
"I am entirely in your hands, sir," responded Jack.
And he retired to the other side of the room.
"Jack, Jack! what demon possessed you to get into such a mess?"
"No demon, Harry, but some of my father's hot blood. He was always very prompt to accept a challenge."
"He will not let you fight."
"He will not know till it is settled. Listen to me, Harry, if you tell him or anyone else, or try to stop the plan that my second may propose, I swear I'll never speak to you again."
"But you stand every chance of being killed."