He would let him off for two pins! He would let him off if⸺Yes! He began pretending to himself that the duel might after all not take place. That was the only way he could get anything out of it.
He laughed; then shouted out in German:
“Give me one!”
They all looked round. Soltyk did not turn, but the side of his face became crimson.
Kreisler felt a surge of active passion at the sight of the blood in his face.
“Give me one,” Kreisler shouted again, putting out the palm of his hand, and laughing in a thick, insulting, hearty way. He was now a Knabe. He was young and cheeky. His last words had been said with quick cleverness. The heavy coquetting was double-edged.
“What do you mean?” Bitzenko called back.
“I want a jujube. Ask Herr Soltyk!”
They all turned towards the other principal to the duel, standing some yards on the other side of them.