"Mr. Belton, I cannot consent that my principal shall fight with such a weapon. Mr. Botts is not accustomed to the use of a broad-axe."
"Nor is Captain Bragg, sir. So neither party will have an advantage from skill or practice."
"Did Captain Bragg select broad-axes?"
"The captain has expressed no preference; he has left the choice of weapons to his second."
"Then, Mr. Belton, can we not, as the friends of the parties, make arrangements for a meeting in which each gentleman may vindicate his honor without the tragical results which must ensue from the use of such barbarous weapons as broad-axes?"
"As I have said, and now repeat, a broad-axe is not a barbarous weapon. Its use is legitimate in the duello. Unless you agree to the terms which I am now about to propose, I shall adhere to my original selection."
"What are your terms, Mr. Belton?" eagerly inquired Wiggins.
"That I select the weapons, and that neither yourself nor our principals shall know what they are until I produce them on the field."
"I agree to your terms, Mr. Belton; anything but broad-axes."