It did not take long to make arrangements; but, as every one who knew about it was anxious to see the fun, it was not a little difficult for them all to get out of camp without attracting too much attention. There was a strip of woods close by, however, and the boys succeeded in vanishing into this cover one by one, after which they soon hastened to the spot where the encounter between Dunnerwust and Gallup was to take place.
The seconds took good care to have the two principals on hand, and Barney Mulloy was there with the old horse-pistols, which he kept carefully concealed.
Frank took Hans aside and said:
"This affair has assumed a much more serious aspect than seemed possible at first."
"Vos dot Yankee abologized alretty yet?" asked Hans, anxiously.
"Far from it."
The Dutch boy gave a groan of dismay, but stiffened up to say:
"Dot seddles his coose! I knocks uf him der sduffins oudt."
"But he refused to fight that way, and, as he is the challenged party, I was forced to allow him to select the weapons. He chose pistols."
"Bistols?" gasped Hans, turning pale.