"I cannot possibly fight you. This is madness!"
"Sir, choose your own weapons, broadsword or rapier; I value my life less than I value yours. There's no room for both of us in the world. Draw, or I'll kill you. Draw, I say, draw!"
"I do not fight with women."
"A man then! Gentlemen of the Bodyguard, he demands a man! Choose your antagonist, sir, for fight you shall!"
"I refuse to fight!"
"Then," said one of the Generals of the staff, "I serve under no coward. I am a gentleman, your Majesty," he crossed to her rear. "I am at your Majesty's service."
In another minute President O'Brien stood alone, his staff gone over to the Queen.
"I accept the inevitable," he said, angrily. "I accept the position of Lieutenant-General in your Majesty's service."
"This coward," Margaret turned upon the Generals, pointing with her sword to the late President, "this coward proposes to serve in my armies. I send no cowards against my gallant enemies of the League. Which of you gentlemen holds highest rank in the Republican forces?"
General McNeill saluted.