Reimers answered simply, "Yes." And then he added: "But what are the
conditions?"

The senior-lieutenant considered for a moment.

"Oh, well," he said at last, "the court of honour will decide as to
that. Meanwhile, say fifteen paces, and three exchanges of shots."

"Right."

"Well, off then! But look out, it's horribly dark."

The two friends rode in silence until they reached the garden gate of
Guentz's house. The senior-lieutenant would have said a mere brief
farewell, but Reimers held him fast.

"Guentz," he said, "I can't help thinking that a challenge on grounds
connected with the service is incorrect. And--I believe that it is so
in the present instance."

"Yes," replied Guentz, "the private reason is undoubtedly connected with
the service. Landsberg wishes to revenge himself because I reprimanded
him sharply. But overtly the affair has arisen quite otherwise. I have
no alternative but to challenge him."

"Yes, you are right," acknowledged Reimers. He stood awhile leaning
against his bicycle, deep in thought, until Guentz pressed his hand, and
said, "Good night, dear boy!"

And Reimers answered, "Good-night, my dear Guentz." Guentz put his
bicycle carefully away, and then quietly went upstairs. During the
summer months, when his duty sometimes began at five o'clock or even
earlier, he occupied a small bedroom next to the larger one in which
his wife and child slept. But the door of communication between the two
rooms was always open.

In a few rapid movements he took off his sword and his spurred boots.
Then he went to the door of the bedroom and listened in the darkness. A
slight breeze came from the garden and moved the lowered window-blind
with the regularity of a pendulum. Somewhere in the grass a cricket was
chirping; and through the slight noises the deep contented breathing of
the two sleepers could be heard, slow and deep the mother's, and the
child's soft and light.

Guentz leant against the lintel and listened lovingly to the sweet,
regular sounds. This room contained a world of happiness for him; and
the breathing of his sleeping dear ones was to him the most priceless
music.

Suddenly he shivered in the warm August air. An over-powering fatigue
almost paralysed his limbs, and one single horrible thought filled his
mind.

Wearily he pulled off his clothes, and was soon wrapped in heavy sleep.

The court of honour endorsed the challenge but it modified the terms,
arranging that instea