It was unnecessary to relate what passed between us before the duel, so I merely said we had drawn lots as to who should be the avenger, and who the second; nor did I deem it proper to explain the serious causes of the duel, as it would have resulted in a long story, and the bringing in of women’s names at every turn, an unpardonable thing in a man.  I simply said the cause was serious, and of a nature to fully justify a deadly meeting; that we, Monsieur de Meilhan and myself, left Gueret at six o’clock in the morning; when three miles from the town, we left the high-road of Limoges and entered that part of the woods called the Little Cascade, where we dismounted and awaited the arrival of M. de Villiers, who, in a few minutes, rode up to us, accompanied by two army-officers as seconds.  We exchanged bows at a distance of ten feet, but nothing was said until the elder of the officers advanced towards me, shook my hand, and drawing me aside, began:  “We military men dare not refuse to act on this occasion as seconds when summoned by a brave man, but we always come with the hope of effecting a reconciliation.  These young men are hot-headed.  There is some pretty woman at the root of the difficulty, and they are acting the roles of foolish rivals.  The day has passed for men to fight about such silly things; it is no longer the fashion.  Now, cannot we arrange this matter satisfactorily, without injuring the pride of these gentlemen?”

“Monsieur,” I replied, “it is with profound regret that I decline making any amicable settlement of this affair.  Under any other circumstances I would share your peaceable sentiments; as it is, we have come here with a fixed determination.  If you knew—­”

“Do tell me the provocation—­I am very anxious to learn it,” said the officer, interrupting me, eagerly.

“You ask what is impossible,” I replied; “nothing could alter our determination.  We fully made up our minds before coming here.”

“That being the case, monsieur,” said he, “my friend and I will withdraw; we decline to countenance a murder.”

“If you retire, captain,” I responded, pressing his hand, “I will also leave, and not be answerable for the result—­and what will be the consequence?  I can assure you, upon my honor, that these gentlemen will fight without seconds.”

The officer bowed and waved his hand, in sign of forced acquiescence.  After a short pause, he continued:  “We have entered upon a very distasteful affair, and the sooner it is ended the better.  Have they decided upon the weapons?”

“They have decided, monsieur, to draw lots for the choice of arms,” I replied.

“Then,” he cried, “there has been no insult given or received; they are both in the right and both in the wrong.”

“Exactly so, captain.”

“I suppose we will have to consent to it.  Let us draw for the weapons, since it is agreed upon.”

The lot fell on the sword.