Joe didn't get it. He looked from one of the two Hungarians to the other, then back at Armstrong, scowling.
Lieutenant Anderson said, unhappily. "These officers have been named to represent Captain Sándor Rákóczi, major."
Bela Kossuth clicked his heels, bowed, said formally, "Our principal realizes, Major Mauser, that diplomatic immunity prevents his issuing request for satisfaction. However"—the Hungarian cleared his throat—"since honor is involved—"
At long last it got through to Joe. His own voice went coldly even. "General Armstrong, I—"
The general said quickly. "Mauser, as an official representative of the West-world, you don't have to respond to anything as dashed silly as a challenge to a duel."
The faces of the two Hungarians froze.
Joe finished his sentence. "... I would appreciate it if you and Lieutenant Anderson would act for me."
Kossuth clicked his heels again. "Gentlemen, the code duello provides that the challenged choose the weapons."
General Armstrong's face, usually worried, was now dark with anger. "Choice of weapons, eh? Against Sándor Rákóczi? If you will excuse us now, gentlemen, Lieutenant Anderson and I will consult with you in one hour in the Embassy Club and discuss the affair further. I say frankly, I have never heard of a diplomat being subjected to such a situation, especially on the part of officers of the country to which he is accredited."
The Hungarians were unfazed. Kossuth looked at his wrist chronometer. "One hour in the Embassy Club, gentlemen." The two of them clicked again, bowed from the waist, and were gone.