"We'll see about that."
During this dialogue a rushing of water became audible from the direction of the fish-pond, and Otto Palvicz noticed that an added flood was pouring through the break in the dike and widening the rupture.
"I have had the fish-pond sluices raised," said Richard, "and you will hardly fill in this gap in an hour's time."
Otto Palvicz saw that the other was right. "I see that I cannot cross immediately," he admitted; "but if you are a cavalier, stay where you are and let us fight it out over fire and water. Will you join me in a pistol duel?"
"With all my heart."
"We will fire at each other until one of us falls from his horse."
"Agreed; but first let our men get out of range. Why shoot down our brave lads instead of each other?"
"You are right," assented Otto, and he ordered his men to stand aside.
The two leaders stood facing each other across the burning bridge, whose flames furnished a bright light for a nocturnal duel. Each wore a white cavalry cloak, an excellent target for his opponent's aim.
They exchanged a couple of shots. Palvicz pierced Richard's shako, he himself receiving a shot in the cuirass which left a dent.