The Frenchman whom Chester had knocked down now got to his feet, considerably sobered up by the force of the lad's blow. He was suffering more from wounded dignity than anything else, and he was very angry. He approached Chester.
"For that blow," he said very quietly, "monsieur shall give me satisfaction."
"I'll repeat the dose if that's what you want," said Chester, also thoroughly aroused, and he took a step forward.
The Frenchman drew back.
"Non! Non!" he exclaimed. "You shall give me satisfaction with swords or pistols, as a gentleman, if, for the moment, you can be one."
"So," said Chester, "I am no gentleman, eh? I'll make you wish you had never seen me, you little—"
"Hold on! Hold on!" interrupted Hal. "We have other business to attend to. We have no time for duels."
But for the moment he had relaxed his vigilance, and the nearest officer, with two quick blows, knocked his revolvers from his hand, and the lad found himself covered.
"Now," said the young Frenchman to Chester, "will you fight or not?"
"I'll fight," replied the lad calmly.