"Am I perfectly free to act?"
"Yes--on parole of the grounds."
"Very well, I accept; I presume my man Is the challenged party?"
Both Hardy and myself bowed.
"Then I will ask Captain Le Gaire to accompany me to the dining-room. I shall return in a few moments."
We watched them pass out, and then Hardy and I turned, and looked into each others' faces.
CHAPTER XXIV
I BECOME A FAMOUS SWORDSMAN
"Sergeant," I said shortly, "I think you can be of greater service in the hall."