OSCAR CONCEIVES A PLAN AND A REMARKABLE DENOUEMENT FOLLOWS—COOLNESS AND PLUCK WIN AGAINST SCHEMES AND CUNNING.
Our hero finally decided upon a plan. He determined to convert an impending tragedy into a farce.
The detective smiled when the lackey volunteered to "do him up," and said:
"I see you wish a little amusement, you fellows. You shall have it. Get the swords. I am a gentleman and I will enjoy slaughtering this ambitious cocky-doodle-doo. He wishes to become mincemeat; I will gratify him. Yes, gentleman, get the swords and the fun shall begin."
The men stared. This was a turn in the affair they had not anticipated, but they were evidently prepared to meet the emergency.
"Who will act as this fellow's second?" asked Girard.
"You need not trouble yourselves, gentlemen."
"Oh, no, you must have a second. Although you are not entitled to any consideration this affair shall be conducted as though you were really a gentleman. Thatford, will you act as the fellow's second?"
"I must respectfully decline," said Thatford. "I am not acting as second in an affair of honor for a low-bred spy and sneak."
The lackey meantime had prepared himself for the affray, and Girard had produced two dueling swords. It looked serious indeed, but there was also an element of farce in the whole affair.