It was Gardner's purpose to fire instantly upon the giving of the word, trusting to his quickness of movement and his accuracy of aim to kill his opponent before he had time to pull the trigger. As he looked at Mason standing so cool and so quiet before him, he felt that he would have need of all his skill and address to win the game, in which not only love, but life, were the stakes.
On Mason's part, while his desire to kill his opponent was as great as Gardner's, his tactics were different. Though ordinarily familiar with his weapon and able to give a good account of himself if he had his own time for firing, he knew that he would be at a tremendous disadvantage in a quick exchange of shots. He realized also that with his usual impetuosity Gardner would fire instantly the word was given. He determined, therefore, to submit to the fearful risk of receiving the hasty shot which he felt would come, and if he were then unharmed, deliberately take his time in returning it. He had no suspicion but that the acceptance of his suit had been genuine, and he longed to live with a double intensity on account of the depth of his passion.
All preparations having been made, the colonel took his place. The seconds removed a little distance away from their principals to be out of range.
"Are you ready, gentlemen?" said the colonel.
"Ready, sir!" answered both men, promptly.
They both stood slightly turned, their right sides presented, their arms depending, with the cocked pistol in the right hand.
"You know the conditions. I shall count 'one, two,' and then give the word 'fire!'" continued the colonel. "After the order is given you may discharge your weapons at will."
The colonel had a third pistol in hand, for what purpose no one quite understood. The silence was absolutely breathless.
"One!" said the old soldier, his voice ringing hollow through the apartment