M. de Mornand, at his wit's end, pulled off his coat.
"I absolutely refuse to act as second in such a duel," shouted M. de Ravil.
"You can do as you please about that," responded the hunchback. "I have the key of the door in my pocket, but you can look out of the window, or beat a tattoo upon the pane, if you prefer. That little act of bravado might have a good effect on M. de Mornand, perhaps."
"De Ravil, measure the swords, I beg of you," cried the other principal in the affair.
"You insist?"
"I do."
"So be it,—but you are mad."
Then, turning to Gerald, he added, "You are taking a great responsibility upon yourself, monsieur."
"That will do, monsieur," replied Gerald, coldly.
The proverb the marquis had quoted seemed a true one, for, when that gentleman rolled his shirt-sleeve up above his elbow, there was disclosed to view a long, thin, but sinewy arm, upon which the muscles stood out like whipcords, while his opponent's arm was plump and soft.