"The weapons which I shall select will test the coolness and courage of both gentlemen. They will not be broad-axes. Are you satisfied?"
"Perfectly."
"Then, sir, as we have agreed upon the preliminary arrangement, I must bid you good-morning."
In the corridor of the hotel Toney encountered M. T. Pate.
"Mr. Belton—Mr. Belton," said Pate, "I—I could not prevail on Mr. Botts. He has sent a—a—a challenge, and there will be bloodshed, sir, and—and all about a—a—a monkey, sir."
"Mr. Pate, I have the matter in hand, and I assure you, on the honor of a gentleman, that not a drop of blood will be spilt."
"God bless you, Mr. Belton!"
"Good-morning, Mr. Pate." And Toney hurried away, leaving Pate repeating his benediction with great fervor.