"That is a question I cannot answer, Frank."
"There's a mystery here, professor—a mystery I mean to solve. I am going to find out who the Queen of Flowers really is."
"And get into more trouble, you hot-headed young rascal. I should think you were in trouble enough already, with a possible duel impending."
A twinkle of mischief showed in Frank's eyes.
"How about yourself, professor?"
"Oh, the young scoundrel won't dare to meet me," blustered Scotch, throwing out his chest and strutting about the room.
"But he is not the one you will have to meet. You exchanged cards with Colonel La Salle Vallier."
"As a mere matter of courtesy."
"That might go in the North, but you exchanged under peculiar circumstances, and, taking everything into consideration, I have no doubt but you will be waited on by a friend of Colonel Vallier. You will have to meet him."
"Hey!" roared the professor, turning pale. "Is it possible that such a result will come from a mere matter of politeness? Why, I'm no fighter, Frank—I'm no blood-and-thunder ruffian! I did not mean to hint that I wished to meet the colonel on the field of honor."