mind to kill him.
Touched once because of his carelessness, Hal knew that the Frenchman
would be more wary.

In stepping back before a fierce thrust of his opponent's sword, Hal's
foot slipped. He threw up his arm, and for a moment was off his guard.
Before he could recover his balance, the Frenchman's sword flashed up
under his guard and pierced him through the left shoulder.

The lad staggered back, and the Frenchman, unheeding the accident and
the calls of Lieutenant Anderson and Chester, pressed his advantage.
With a grim smile he started a thrust that would have ended Hal's
days; but, with a sudden lurch, Hal staggered forward, threw up his
sword, and, with a terrific stroke, swept the sword from the
Frenchman's hand. Lieutenant Dupree was at his mercy.

The Frenchman stepped back and folded his arms, as Hal took a step
forward.

"Kill me," he said quietly.

"Run him through!" shouted Lieutenant Anderson. "He tried to kill you
unfairly."

Slowly Hal lowered his sword.

"No," he said, "I can't do it. Neither will I continue the fight." He
turned to his late opponent. "I hope your honor is satisfied," he
said.

The Frenchman turned, and, with bowed head, replaced his coat; then
with his two friends he walked away.

The surgeon hurried to Hal's side and peered at his wound.

"Not serious," he said, after an examination. "I'll have it fixed all
right in a moment."

The wound dressed, the surgeon offered Hal his hand.

"You are a gallant youngster," he said, "and I am proud to know you.
Many a man in your place would have killed his opponent. Your coolness
is a thing to be admired."

Hal shook hands with the surgeon, and the latter then took himself
off.

Lieutenant Anderson approached Hal and grasped him by both arms.

"You are all right," he said, emphasizing each word. "I was afraid it
was all up with you."

"And so was I," said Chester. "But, if you had fallen unfairly, I
would have killed him myself."

The three made their way back to the boys' quarters, where they sat
down and talked the duel over.

"The best thing you can do now," said Lieutenant Anderson to Hal
finally, "is to get a little rest. Both of you are wounded, and will
not have to report for duty. I shall tell General French that you will
be all right in a day or two."

"Tell him we shall be all right in an hour or two, that will be much
better," said Hal.

"Great Scott!" exclaimed the lieutenant. "Can't you even keep still