ne, too, I rather think," said Harry. "Do not
imagine that you have any claims to that package arising out of any
previous relations to a certain young lady."

"A certain young lady!--a package! What do you mean? I neither know
nor care. I only know that you and I must settle accounts with one
another."

"By Jove, that's one sentiment in which I agree!"

"If I hadn't found you here, I might have only suspected; but now
that I've found you, I do not merely believe, but know that you are
a--"

"Confound you! if you begin your infernal abuse again, I'll blow your
brains out! I haven't got your talent for scolding. If you want to
settle accounts with me, come along like a man, and don't stand here
jawing like a fishwife."

"By heavens! that will I--and here--"

"Here! pooh! Come along to my room."

"Lead on--I'll follow."

At this Harry led the way, and in a short time, followed by Ashby, he
once more reached his own room.

And so it had come to this! The friends who a few days before had
been so intimate, so confiding, and so affectionate, now stood face
to face as foes, glaring at one another with defiance in their eyes
and bitter hate in their hearts. Each thought he had received
sufficient provocation to seek the life of the other, and each
thought that he had received from the other insults which could only
be wiped out in blood.

Harry felt sure that Ashby had found the package which he had
concealed so carefully, and was holding it on the ground of his
engagement to Katie. Such a right Harry might possibly have conceded
to Russell, as Katie's guardian, especially as he had been the one
who last had held it; but to Ashby he never would surrender it. As
for Ashby, his bitterness and jealousy have already been fully set
forth, and they were now more intense than ever.

Harry stuck the torch in a hollow stone in the floor which appeared
to have been made for that purpose. Then he turned to Ashby.

"Now, sir," said Ashby, "you have already heard."

"No more, I beg," said Harry; "not a word. Let's fight like
gentlemen, not jaw like bullies. Have you a pistol?"

"No."

"That's unfortunate. There's no knowing at what time a pistol may be
needed."

"No," said Ashby, bitterly. "If I had known that you would prove a
scoun--"

"By heavens!" roared Harry, "if yon don't shut up I'll put a bullet
through you! Do you hear? Come now," he continued, growing cooler;
"we've both said enough, more than enough. Re