“As it is not possible that this meeting should take place on English soil, it is arranged that the parties go by the next train to Southampton, take the steamer to Jersey and proceed to the open country between St. Aubins and St. Héléir. The exact spot of the duel to be settled afterward. The weapons are to be pistols. The distance ten paces. The signals—One—Two—Three. At the last word—Fire!”
“That will do. We must go by the eight o’clock train, which is the next. Let me see;—it is now a quarter past five. We must leave this house by seven, in order to make sure of our train. Thus we have but an hour and three-quarters for preparation,” said Alexander.
“But I have not read you all the articles yet. There is something about surgeons and attendants——”
“Let all that go. It is of minor importance,” said Alexander, laying his hand upon the cord of the bell that communicated with his valet’s room.
He rang loudly and repeatedly. And presently the man made his appearance, half asleep and half dressed.
“Simms,” said his master, “pack my portmanteau with a change of clothes and small dressing-case. We go to Southampton by the eight o’clock train.”
The man stared a little at this unexpected order, but, being a well trained servant, suppressed his surprise and hastened to obey his orders.
Alexander examined his pistol-case, and, seeing that all was right, proceeded to prepare himself for his sudden journey.
Francis Tredegar repaired to his own chamber for the same purpose.
Half an hour passed in this manner, and then Mr. Tredegar returned, traveling-bag in hand.