“Good,” returned the Frenchman. “I am Lieutenant Mercer, and this,” indicating his companion, “is Lieutenant Lamont.”
“I am Chester Crawford,” said the lad briefly.
“Then, to get down to business,” said Lieutenant Mercer. “Mr. Paine has insulted my friend, Lieutenant Dupree. My friend demands an apology.”
“There’ll be no apology,” said Chester shortly.
“Ah! In that case my friend, Lieutenant Dupree, demands satisfaction from Mr. Paine.”
“It seems to me he has had satisfaction,” said Chester.
“Ah!” replied the Frenchman cheerfully. “You no doubt refer to the blow passed by Mr. Paine? It is for that my friend demands satisfaction.”
“He had that coming to him,” declared Chester.
“So you may believe. Lieutenant Dupree thinks otherwise. Now, as to the arrangements——”