“Would—­would you gentlemen mind my consulting Captain Le Gaire again?” he questioned doubtfully.  “I think he should fully understand his opponent’s skill.”

Hardy laughed, completely at ease, and enjoying the other’s dilemma.

“Well, I hardly know about that, Bell.  Under the laws of the code we can hold you to your first choice, and I’m inclined to do so.  Great joke on Le Gaire.  However, I am willing to leave it to my man.  What do you say, Galesworth?”

I had retired to the opposite side of the room, and was leaning with one arm on the mantel.  In spite of the seriousness of the affair, it was impossible not to be amused by this sudden turn.  Bell’s eyes shifted questioningly toward me.

“Surely Lieutenant Galesworth will not desire to take any undue advantage,” he ventured.

“Was not that Captain Le Gaire’s idea?” I returned sharply.  “He has the reputation of expert swordsmanship.”

“He is a swordsman, yes, but does not profess to excel with the sabre.”

I waited a moment in silence, permitting my hesitancy to become plainly apparent.

“Well, Captain Bell, much as I prefer the weapons already named, I will nevertheless consent to a change.  I am ready to concede anything if I can only compel your man to fight.”

“Do you mean to question Captain Le Gaire’s courage, sir?” hotly.

“He seems to be fairly solicitous about his own safety, at least,” chimed in Hardy.  “Go on, Bell, and talk it over with him—­this is not our row.”

The little captain backed out still raging, and the major followed him to the door, lingering there as though listening.  I watched curiously until he straightened up, struggling to keep back a laugh.

“That’s some liar you’ve got for a sergeant, Galesworth,” he said genially.  “Bell ran up against him in the hall, and stopped to ask a question.  He wasn’t exactly certain we had been telling the truth.  Your man must have been primed for the occasion the way he turned loose.  Would like to have seen Bell’s eyes pop out as the fellow described your exploits.  Makes me proud to know you myself.”

“Did Miles say I was an expert with the sabre?” I questioned in astonishment.

“Did he!  Champion of the Army of the Tennessee; undefeated for two years, both afoot and on horse-back; described a wonderful stroke that caught them all; told about how you accidentally drove it an inch too far once, and killed your opponent.  Oh, he was great.  It will be pistols when Bell comes back; don’t doubt that, my boy, and I know the very spot—­out back of the stable, level ground, and no interference.”