"One!" said the old soldier, his voice ringing hollow through the apartment.
"Two!" he said, more strongly.
"Fire!" he snapped out at last.
Instantly there was a flash of light, a cloud of smoke, a crashing report from Gardner's pistol. Mason's second, closely watching his principal, thought he saw a flick of dust rise from his coat. The Virginian staggered slightly, raised his left arm and laid it across his breast, but still stood erect, his pistol in his half-extended hand.
"Great God!" cried Gardner, hoarsely, as he saw his rival standing before him apparently unharmed. "Have I missed him?"
He put his hand in bewilderment to his head and staggered back from his position.
"Back to the card, sir!" thundered the colonel, cocking and raising his pistol and pointing it directly at Gardner.
"Of course, sir," returned the sailor, dauntlessly, stepping back to the card as he spoke. "I trust no gentleman here will think I shrank from the return bullet. 'Twas but surprise. Take your shot, I beg of you, Captain Mason."
His face was deadly pale, yet he forced a smile to his lips.
"You still have a shot, Captain Mason. Take it. We acquit Lieutenant Gardner of any timidity whatever," said the colonel, lowering his weapon.