"Pray don't mind saying no. I am quite willing to dispense with a second."
This suggestion certainly could not be entertained, and after a hurried conference the doctor offered his services; the general and he selected a level piece of ground, and the doctor brought a couple of swords.
"You have brought no weapons, my lord," he said. "The prince begs you will make choice."
Blair chose one at haphazard, then took off his cloak, and coat and waistcoat, and turned up his wristbands.
The doctor eyed him approvingly.
"If the result depended upon strength, my lord," he said, "I should have little fear for you, but——"
"Strength is little to do with it, I know," said Blair smiling; "never mind, sir, I will try not to discredit you."
"You are sure there can be no apology?" said the doctor earnestly.
Blair shook his head.
"I fear not. I think if I were to apologize, the prince would not accept it. He has set his heart upon a fight, and"—he smiled again—"I am not at all inclined to balk him."