“And pray, may I ask what you call a first class marksman?”

“A good rifle shot is a man who can hit a shilling piece five times out of six, standing at a distance which requires a telescope to see the money.”

“And what is a third-class marksman?” asked the lieutenant, in dismay.

“He can hit the same only twice out of six times,” I replied, composedly.

“The devil!” I heard my visitor mutter, between his teeth; but he was too much of an Englishman to retreat, and I fancied that he grew more and more determined when he learned that the odds were against him.

“The only matter that now remains unsettled,” the lieutenant said, “is when the affair is to come off.  What time do you think you shall be at leisure?”

“At any hour that suits your convenience.”

“Would to-morrow morning be too soon?” hinted the officer.

“That time is as well as at a later period.”

“And the distance?  We must not talk about feet, but how many rods our friends are to be placed apart?” Merriam said.

“I have given the subject a moment’s consideration,” I replied, “and think that ten rods will be better for your friend than double that distance.”

“I shall certainly venture to disagree with you on that point,” replied the lieutenant.  “I think that twenty rods is full near enough.”

“Why, they will hardly be able to distinguish each other so far apart,” I said; “but you shall have it as you wish.”

“Thank you.  Then nothing farther remains but to point out a very beautiful spot where the business can be settled in the most amicable manner.  If you will step to the door I think I can show you the field, with not a tree or hill that can line either party on ground.  Ah, yes, there it is, away to the right after passing the end of the road, and beyond the white fence.  Do you see it?”

I nodded in the affirmative.

“Well, say five in the morning to be on the ground.  Does that suit your convenience?”

“Perfectly.”

“Then good-by.  By the way, may I ask you to bring the rifles to the ground?  I am sorry to trouble you, but in the case you know—­”

“I understand.  Be under no concern; I will see that the guns are in good condition, and ready for your loading.”

“Thank you.  Another request I have to make.  May I ask that you will not bring a surgeon on the ground, but trust to the regimental one whom we shall have present.  You are strangers, and by expressing a desire for a doctor, might communicate an alarm to the police, which would have a tendency to postpone the meeting.”

“I thank you for the suggestion, sir,” I answered, “and will do as you request; although I frankly tell you, that I hope there will be no occasion for a surgeon to exercise his duties.”

“The affair has gone too far to be stopped without blood-letting, I think,” replied Merriam, shaking his head, “although with some men I should not yet give up all hope of a pacification.”