“ ‘Yes! let it be at once—here,’ exclaimed Conway, almost foaming with rage.
“ ‘At once then,’ said the two seconds, simultaneously, ‘step this way.’
“We followed as they lead; and passing up a staircase before us, we soon found ourselves in a small, dimly lighted room, about twelve feet square.
“ ‘We shall be free from observation here,’ said my second, as he closed and double-locked the door.
“During this brief remark the other officer had been engaged in an earnest conversation with his principal; and after a silence of some minutes on our part, he crossed the room, and addressed a few words to my second. After the other had ceased speaking, he continued silent for a few minutes. At length, however, he said,
“ ‘Well, I will make your proposition;’ and turning to me he continued, ‘I suppose you are scarcely willing to apologise. The demand comes from your opponent.’
“ ‘Never,’ said I.
“ ‘Then the affair must proceed.’
“ ‘Gentlemen,’ said Conway’s second, ‘how do you fight? As you are the challenged party the choice is with you!’
“ ‘With pistols—at once—in this room,’ answered my second.