men have both
held commissions in their respective armies. Romayne, of course, has
seen war, and they look at everything from the military point of view."

As he was speaking there came across the end of the lake the sound of
voices. Over the water the still air carried the words distinctly to
their ears.

"Explain what?" It was Switzer's voice they heard, loud and truculent.

"Just what you meant by the words 'slanderous falsehood' which you used
to-night," replied a voice which they recognised to be Jack Romayne's.

"I meant just what I said."

"Did you mean to impugn my veracity, because--"

"Because what?"

"Because if you did I should have to slap your face just now."

"Mein Gott! You--!"

"Not so loud," said Romayne quietly, "unless you prefer an audience."

"You schlap my face!" cried the German, in his rage losing perfect
control of his accent. "Ach, if you were only in my country, we could
settle this in the only way."

"Perhaps you will answer my question." Romayne's voice was low and clear
and very hard. "Did you mean to call me a liar? Yes or no."

"A liar," replied the German, speaking more quietly. "No, it is not a
question of veracity. It is a question of historical accuracy."

"Oh, very well. That's all."

"No, it is not all," exclaimed the German. "My God, that I should have
to take insult from you! In this country of barbarians there is no way
of satisfaction except by the beastly, the savage method of fists, but
some day we will show you schwein of England--"

"Stop!" Romayne's voice came across the water with a sharp ring like the
tap of a hammer on steel. "You cannot use your hands, I suppose? That
saves you, but if you say any such words again in regard to England or
Englishmen, I shall have to punish you."

"Punish me!" shouted the German. "Gott in Himmel, that I must bear
this!"

"They are going to fight," said Nora in an awed and horrified voice.
"Oh, Larry, do go over."

"He-l-l-o," cried Larry across the water. "That you, Switzer? Who is
that with you? Come along around here, won't you?"

There was a silence of some moments and then Romayne's voice came
quietly across the water. "That you, Gwynne? Rather late to come around,
I think. I am off for home. Well, Switzer, that's all, I think, just
now. I'll say good-night." There was no reply from Switzer.

"You won't come then?" called Larry. "Well, goodnight, both of you."

"Good-night, good-night," came from both men.