“Instead of availing myself of my right, I intend to risk my life against yours.  The danger is the same for myself, who never have insulted you, as for you, who have offered me the deadliest insult that one man can offer another.  I am willing to spill my blood, but not to soil my honor.”

“If it is a duel without seconds that you desire, you have my consent; I have perfect confidence in your loyalty, and I hope you can say the same for mine.”

Christian bowed his head slightly and continued: 

“It is more than a duel without seconds, for the whole affair must be so contrived as to be looked upon as an accident; it is the only way to prevent the outbreak and scandal I dread so much.  Now here is my proposition:  You know that a wild-boar hunt is to take place to-morrow in the Mares woods.  When we station ourselves we shall be placed together at a spot I know of, where we shall be out of the sight of the other hunters.  When the boar crosses the enclosure we will fire at a signal agreed upon.  In this way, the denouement, whatever it may be, will be looked upon as one of those accidents which so frequently happen in shooting-parties.”

“I am a dead man,” thought Gerfaut, as he saw that the gun would be the weapon chosen by his adversary, and recalled his wonderful skill, of which he had had many and various proofs.  But instead of showing the slightest hesitation, his countenance grew still more arrogant.

“This kind of combat seems to me very wisely planned,” said he; “I accept, for I desire as much as you that this affair should remain an eternal secret.”

“Since we are to have no seconds,” continued Bergenheim, “let us arrange everything so that nothing can betray us; it is inconceivable how the most trifling circumstances often turn out crushing evidence.  I think that I have foreseen everything.  If you find that I have forgotten any detail, please remind me of it.  The place I speak of is a narrow, well-shaded path.  The ground is perfectly level; it lies from north to south, so that at eight o’clock in the morning the sun will be on that side; there will be no advantage in position.  There is an old elm on the borders of the wood; at fifty steps’ distance in the pathway, lies the trunk of an oak which has been felled this year.  These are the two places where we will station ourselves, if you consent to it.  Is it the proper distance?”

“Near or farther, it matters little.  Breast to breast, if you like.”

“Nearer would be imprudent.  However, fifty steps with the gun is less than fifteen with a pistol.  This point is settled.  We will remain with heads covered, although this is not the custom.  A ball might strike the head where the cap would be, and if this should happen it would arouse suspicion, as people do not hunt bareheaded.  It only remains to decide who shall fire first,” continued Christian.

“You, of course; you are the offended one.”