Zapora did not lose his calmness for an instant. He only gripped his stick tighter, and said:
"You are quite mistaken. I leave correspondence in the comic papers to young men of no occupation who wish to become notorious by any means at their disposal."
Adler lost his self-control.
"You are insulting me!" he shouted.
"On the contrary, I will not even retract my last statement in order not to offend you."
The excited young man was on the point of throwing himself upon Zapora.
"You shall give me satisfaction!" he panted.
"With pleasure."
"At once!"
"Well, I must have my dinner first; I am hungry," said Zapora coolly. "It does not take me more than an hour; after that I shall be at your disposal in my house."