vice for the taking. But, lest we disturb
the repose of our friends yonder, let us seek a more convenient spot. I
noticed a very pretty little glade on the right as I rode over here. You
are armed? Good! we will have this little affair adjusted within half
an hour. Yonder star--the planet of love, senor--shall see fair play.
Andamos!"

CHAPTER V.

Having mounted their steeds, the two sanguinary young gentlemen rode
onwards, side by side, but in silence; for the souls of those who have
resolved to slay each other find small delight in vain conversation.
Moreover, there is that in the conscious proximity of death which
stimulates to thought much more than to speech. But Freeman preserved an
outward demeanor of complacent calm, as one who doubts not, nor dreads,
the issue; and, indeed, this was not the first time by many that he had
taken his life in his hand and brought it unscathed through dangers.
Don Miguel, on the other hand, was troubled in spirit, and uneasy in
the flesh. He was one soon hot and soon cold; and this long ride to the
decisive event went much against his stomach. If the conflict had
taken place there in the garden, while the fire of the insult was yet
scorching him, he could have fought it out with good will; but now the
night air seemed chiller and chiller, and its frigidity crept into his
nerves: he doubted of the steadiness of his aim, bethought himself that
the darkness was detrimental to accurate shooting, and wondered whether
Senor Freeman would think it necessary to fight across a handkerchief.
He could not help regretting, too, that the quarrel had not
been occasioned by some more definite and satisfactory
provocation,--something which merely to think of would steel the heart
to irrevocable murderousness. But no blow had passed; even the words,
though bitter to swallow, had been wrapt in the phrases of courtesy;
and perhaps the whole affair was the result of some misapprehension.
He stole a look at the face of his companion; and the latter's air of
confident and cheerful serenity made him feel worse than ever. Was he
being brought out here to be butchered for nothing,--he, Don Miguel de
Mendoza, who had looked forward to many pleasures in this life? It was
too bad. It was true, the fortune of war might turn the other way; but
Don Miguel was aware of a sensation in his bones which made this hope
weak.

At length Freeman drew rein and glanced around him. They were in a
lonely and--Don Mig