“What he pleases,” replied Vander Heyden shortly.
“Pardon me, Mr Vander Heyden,” said George, “but if I am to have the management of this affair, I cannot allow that. You are the challenged, and, by a rule everywhere acknowledged, have the choice of weapons. I choose pistols for you, and twelve paces is the distance at which you are to fire. I presume no objection is raised to either point.” He looked at Bostock, who, though somewhat disappointed, as George fancied, at the proposed arrangement, answered sullenly, “Choose what weapons you like.”
“Very well,” said Rivers. “Then here is my revolver and Mr Vander Heyden’s; they are by the same maker, and as nearly equal as two pistols can be. Take your choice of them, and stand, if you please, on that spot. Now, Mr Vander Heyden, in what manner will you fire—alternately or at the same moment?”
“Alternately; that is the usual practice here,” said Vander Heyden. “We can toss for who is to have the first fire.”
A florin was accordingly flung up, and it was found the right of shooting first fell to Vander Heyden.
The signal was given, he fired, and his bullet tore a button from Bostock’s breast. The Englishman then discharged his revolver, and the bullet struck Vander Heyden’s helmet, through which it cut a furrow, without wounding him, though he reeled under the blow.
“I presume that is enough,” said George. “He cannot claim more at your hands.”
“Does he demand more?” asked Vander Heyden.
“I do,” said Bostock. “I claim a second shot.”
“Let him have it,” said the Dutchman.