"'As you also are,' replied Louis; 'but was it you, monsieur, who called upon me to stop?'
"'It was.'
"'For what purpose?'
"'That you shall shortly see.'
"'Shortly—nay, as soon as you please, for I am in haste.'
"'Indeed!' said the other scornfully and slowly.
"'What is your wish, sir?'
"Simply, that you measure swords with me in this meadow.'
"'Why?' asked Louis, with astonishment.
"'I intended to have pistolled you through the back, sans cérémonie, at first; but my heart relented; thus, I mean to afford you a chance of saving your miserable life—though I must have your purse and valuables.'