"I am sorry to say that Count Marioni, who is the insulted person in
this affair, chooses swords."

Lord St. Maurice nodded.

"When, and where?"

"At a place below the cliffs to which I shall conduct you at six o'clock
to-morrow morning."

"At six o'clock! But he has another affair on at half-past."

"So I understand," the Palermitan answered, "I pointed out that we
should prefer an interval of at least a day; but Monsieur le Capitaine
there explains that the Count de Marioni, having dispensed with his
incognito, is hourly in danger of arrest on account of some political
trouble, and is therefore anxious to have both affairs settled. I have
agreed, therefore, with your permission, to waive all etiquette in the
matter."

"I don't know that it makes any difference to me," Lord St. Maurice
answered. "To-night, by moonlight, would have suited me best."

Signor Pruccio laughed.

"You are in a great hurry, Lord St. Maurice. May I ask whether you are
proficient with your weapon?"

"I never fenced since I was at school," he answered coolly. "I suppose
Marioni is dangerous?"

The Palermitan looked very grave. He began to see that it would be more
like a murder than a duel.

"Count Marioni is one of the finest swordsmen in Italy," he answered.
"Perhaps, if I were to explain that you are not accustomed to the
rapier----"

"Pray don't," Lord St. Maurice interrupted. "He'd be just as likely to
shoot me."

"That is true," Signor Pruccio assented. "I have seen him do wonderful
things with the pistol. If you can spare an hour or two, Signor, I
should be happy to give you a little advice as to the management of your
weapon. There is a large room at the top of my house where we fence."

Lord St. Maurice shook his head.

"Thank you, I'll take my chance," he answered.

"At five o'clock, Signor. Will you not come to my house for the night?"

"I'm much obliged, but I must write some letters. Good-night, Signor."

"Good-night, Signor. Sleep well!"

* * * * *

The golden light died out of the waning moon, and afar off in the east a
long line of red clouds seemed to rise out of the sea. The air was still
and calm and breathless. Even the sea seemed hushed as the yellow stars
faded from the sky. Behind that bank of glowing clouds was the promise
of the richer and fuller day. Amber was becoming golden, and pink
purple, till through a very rainbow of coloring the sun's first rays
shot acro