His reverie was interrupted by Alister.
"All is ready,—Lisle has taken his ground," said he, putting into Ronald's hand the cold steel butt of the Highland pistol. "For Heaven's sake, or rather for your own, appear a little more collected. Lisle seems determined to shoot you, in revenge for your neglect of his sister."
"You have mentioned the only thing which can unnerve and unman me. Chisholm has told you, I suppose?"
"Yes. An explanation might yet clear up this business."
"I scorn to ask it now!"
"Are you ready?" cried Chisholm, who had posted Lisle fourteen paces off.
"All ready."
"Stand aside, Macdonald. I believe that I must give the word."
"As you please." Alister retired, but, like Chisholm's, his heart was filled with a painful feeling of suspense and dread.
The fatal word was given, and the report of both pistols instantaneously followed. Ronald fired into the air, but reeled backwards a few paces, and sunk on the road-way. Louis's stern look immediately relaxed, and he rushed towards him, tossing wildly away the other pistol.