“Rather pretty playthings, Galesworth,” he said admiringly.  “Don’t see such often nowadays, but in my father’s time they were a part of every gentleman’s belongings.  He would as soon have travelled without his coat.  I’ve seen him practise; apparently he never took aim,” he held the weapon at arm’s length.  “Wonderfully accurate, and the long barrel is better than any sight; just lower it this way; there’s almost no recoil.”

The sound of a distant voice caused him to drop the pistol back into its place, and rise to his feet.  Then Le Gaire and Bell turned the corner of the stable, stopping as they perceived us standing there.  The major removed his hat, his voice coolly polite.

“I believe everything is prepared, gentlemen.  Captain Bell, if you will examine the weapons, we will then confer as to the word and the method of firing.”

“I prefer choosing my own pistol,” broke in Le Gaire bluntly, “and loading it as well.”

Hardy’s face flushed, his eyes hardening.

“As you please, sir,” he retorted, “but I might construe those words as a reflection on my integrity.”

“When a Confederate officer takes the side of a Yank,” was the instant angry response, “he can hardly claim much consideration.”

“Captain Le Gaire,” and Hardy’s voice rang, “you have enough on your hands at present without venturing to insult me, I should suppose.  But don’t go too far, sir.”

“Gentlemen,” broke in Bell excitedly, “this must not go on.  Le Gaire, if you say another word, I shall withdraw entirely.”

The Louisianian smiled grimly, but walked over to the weapon case, and picked up the two derringers, testing their weight, and the length of barrel.  Hardy stared at him, his lips compressed.

“Well,” he burst forth at last, “are you satisfied, sir?”

“I’ll choose this,” insolently, and dropping the other back into its place.  “Where is the powder and ball?”

The major pointed without daring to speak.

“All right; don’t mind me.  I always load my own weapon, and just now I am anxious to shoot straight,” and he looked across at me sneeringly.

If it was his purpose by all this theatrical display to affect my nerves, he failed utterly, as instead, the very expression of his face brought me back to a fighting spirit.  Hardy saw this, and smiled grimly.

“Step this way a moment, Bell,” he said quietly, “while we arrange details.  I reckon those two game-cocks will wait until we are ready.”

The two officers moved away a dozen paces and stopped in the shadow of the trees, conversing earnestly.  I endeavored to keep my eyes off from Le Gaire, and remain cool.  It seemed to me I saw every movement of a leaf, every dropping of a twig, yet could scarcely realize the position I was in.  I was about to face that man yonder—­now carefully loading his weapon—­to deliberately fire upon him, and receive in return his fire.  I felt as though