"Yes, if you are the stranger known as the Count de Lhorailles."
"I am he," said he without any hesitation.
"Very good; then we can come to an understanding."
"I ask nothing better, though, from your suspicious conduct, you appear to me to be bandits, if you want my purse, take it and be off, for I am in a hurry."
"Keep your purse, caballero; we want to take your life, and not your money."
"Ah, ha! 'tis, then, a trap, followed by an assassination."
"You are mistaken. I offer you a fair fight."
"Hum!" the count said, "a fair fight: two against one—that is rather disproportionate."
"You would be correct if matters were as you assume," the man haughtily replied who had hitherto taken the word; "but my companion will content himself with looking on and taking no part in the duel."
The count reflected.