Bazaar proposal of Marriage.
"Gentlemen," I interposed, "if either of you had consented to accept the other's sacrifice, the problem would have been solved; only I should have taken the other. But two self-sacrifices are as bad as none."
"Then let us toss up for you, Princess," said the Captain, impulsively.
"Oh, no!" I cried, with a shudder. "Submit my life to the chances of head or tail! It would make me feel like a murderess, with you for gentlemen of the jury."
A painful silence fell upon the sanctum. Unwitting of the tragedy playing within, all the fun of the fair went on without.
"Listen," I said, at last. "I will be the wife of him who wins me. Chance shall not decide, but prowess. Like the princesses of old, I will set you a task. Whoever accomplishes it shall win my hand."
"Agreed," they said eagerly, though not simultaneously.
"Ay, but what shall it be?" I murmured.