Before I could recoil, or even realize his purpose, he sprang the single necessary step forward and, with open hand, struck me in the face.

“Even a blue-belly should understand the meaning of that,” he exclaimed hotly.

I did understand, the hot blood surging to my cheeks, yet in some mysterious way I never in my life felt cooler, more completely in control of myself.  Every nerve tingled, yet not a muscle moved, and I smiled into his face, truly glad it had come to this.

“Personal combat is not a habit with us, Captain Le Gaire,” I said coldly.  “But in this case you will not find me seeking escape.  I am very much at your service.”

“Now?” his eyes blazing.

“The quicker the better.  Who seconds you?”

“Major Hardy, of course—­”

“I’m damned if I will, Le Gaire,” burst in the staff-officer indignantly, thrusting himself forward.  “You forced this matter with an insult no gentleman could take, and besides have dragged my daughter’s name into the affair.”

“You refuse to act for me?”

“Emphatically, yes!  In the first place I don’t believe in your damned Louisiana code, and in my opinion, you’ve acted like a confounded bully.  So far as I can see Galesworth has done his duty, and nothing more.  I’d go out with him, under the circumstances, before I would with you.”

“I could not think of asking such a favor,” I blurted out in astonishment.

“You do not need to ask—­I volunteer, if you can use me.”

I do not believe I shall ever forget the expression on the dark, scowling face of Le Gaire.  He had not expected this, that he would be deserted by his own people, yet the fact merely served to increase his bitterness, harden his purpose.  The twist of his lips left his teeth exposed in an ugly grin.

“All right, Hardy,” he said, at last, “I’ll not forget this, and I reckon the story won’t help you any in our army.  I’ll get the Yank, second or no second, if the fellow doesn’t back out.”

“You need have no fear on that score,” I replied soberly.  “I am no believer in the duel, and this will be my first appearance on the field, but you have got to fight now.  Moreover you shall have all your rights guarded.”  I stepped to the door, and opened it.

“Sergeant, go down to the prisoners and bring Captain Bell here.”

He was back in another moment, grasping the arm of the surprised Confederate, who stared about at us in silent wonderment.

“Captain Bell,” I asked, “I presume you have some acquaintance with the duelling code?”

He bowed gravely, waiting for me to explain.

“Captain Le Gaire has seen fit to strike me in the face with his open hand, and I have agreed to meet him at once.  Will you act for the gentleman?”

“Why not Major Hardy?”

“Because he will represent my interests.”

Bell turned his eyes toward the major, puzzled and uncertain.