"
"Well, that might be a question, but we will waive the technicalities.
Le Gaire provoked the fight, and was rather nasty about it in my
judgment, but all we are anxious about now is to get the preliminaries
over with as soon as possible. We acknowledge that your man was the one
challenged."
"Then, sir, we demand an immediate meeting, and name swords as the
weapons."
Hardy turned to me, a smile of delight illumining his face.
"Good enough," he exclaimed, sufficiently loud to reach the ears of the
astonished captain. "Not so bad, hey, Galesworth?"
I nodded, but without venturing a reply, and Bell exhibited his surprise
in his face.
"Is--is Lieutenant Galesworth an expert with the sabre?" he asked, after
a moment's silence.
"Is he!" echoed Hardy. "Do you mean to say Le Gaire has never heard of
him?"
"I--I think not."
"That's odd. Why, we of the staff knew all about those sabre trials in
the Federal camp. I naturally supposed Le Gaire wished to try his skill
with the champion for the honor of the South. Such a struggle ought to
be worth seeing, but Galesworth would have the advantage of weight, and
length of arm."
Bell evidently did not know either what to say or do. This threw an
entirely new light on the situation, and left him in an awkward
position.
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