And suddenly M. Dubuis, exhausted by his violent efforts, went and resumed his seat without uttering a word.
The Prussian did not attack him, for the savage assault had scared and terrified the officer. When he was able to breathe freely, he said:
"Unless you give me satisfaction with pistols, I will kill you."
M. Dubuis replied:
"Whenever you like. I'm quite ready."
The German said:
"Here is the town of Strasbourg. I'll get two officers to be my seconds, and there will be time before the train leaves the station."
M. Dubuis, who was puffing as much as the engine, said to the Englishmen:
"Will you be my seconds?" They both answered together:
"Ah! yes."