He sprang backwards with an angry growl, and for a few moments seemed to be collecting his forces. Foreseeing the impetuosity of his renewed assault, I prepared to give him a suitable reception; but, at the instant when about to commence a repetition of his favours, he moved a little to the right. This movement compelled on my part a corresponding change of position, to effect which I slightly shifted my left foot. My foot struck against something on the floor. I stumbled. Though just on the point of springing forward, M. le Tisanier, who through this mishap had me completely at his mercy, with a most winning bow immediately dropped his point.
The cause of my tripping is easily explained. Sergeant Pegden, either from having discovered, down in the cellar, that war had commenced over his head, or from some other motive, was beginning to raise the trap-door. I tripped against the edge. Stamping it down with my left heel, as a sign for the sergeant to keep quiet, but not so as to attract the notice of M. le Tisanier, who remained unconscious that my forces were in such immediate proximity, I again put myself on guard, saying, “My best acknowledgments are due for your forbearance. Whenever you wish to proceed, I am ready.”
“A thousand thanks,” said M. le Tisanier, with a renewal of supple and profound inflections. “I am satisfied.”
“Very well,” said I, extending my hand. “All things besides, then, can be easily arranged.”
We tackled after the English fashion, and shook hands—an operation the more sedulously sought on my part, from visible symptoms of preparation, on the part of M. le Tisanier, for what in those days so frequently terminated French duels—a hug.
The shake accomplished, I noticed something on my hand. It was blood.
“Is this yours, or mine?” I asked.
“Did I not tell you that I was satisfied?” said he. “My honour is satisfied. Whether I am whipped through the body, or scratched on the knuckle, what does it signify?”
CHAPTER XXII., AND LAST.
From the inferior regions now rose the voice of Sergeant Pegden. “Please, sir, I beg your pardon; but it’s immediate.”