gentlemen in Europe."

And the President, liberated by those who had detained him, stepped up
to the table and began, with minute attention, to select a sword. He was
highly elated, and seemed to feel no doubt that he should issue
victorious from the contest. The spectators grew alarmed in the face of
so entire a confidence, and adjured Prince Florizel to reconsider his
intention.

"It is but a farce," he answered; "and I think I can promise you,
gentlemen, that it will not be long a-playing."

"Your Highness will be careful not to overreach," said Colonel
Geraldine.

"Geraldine," returned the Prince, "did you ever know me fail in a debt
of honour? I owe you this man's death, and you shall have it."

The President at last satisfied himself with one of the rapiers, and
signified his readiness by a gesture that was not devoid of a rude
nobility. The nearness of peril, and the sense of courage, even to this
obnoxious villain, lent an air of manhood and a certain grace.

The Prince helped himself at random to a sword.

"Colonel Geraldine and Doctor Noel," he said, "will have the goodness to
await me in this room. I wish no personal friend of mine to be involved
in this transaction. Major O'Rooke, you are a man of some years and a
settled reputation--let me recommend the President to your good graces.
Lieutenant Rich will be so good as lend me his attentions: a young man
cannot have too much experience in such affairs."

"Your Highness," replied Brackenbury, "it is an honour I shall prize
extremely."

"It is well," returned Prince Florizel; "I shall hope to stand your
friend in more important circumstances."

And so saying he led the way out of the apartment and down the kitchen
stairs.

The two men who were thus left alone threw open the window and leaned
out, straining every sense to catch an indication of the tragical events
that were about to follow. The rain was now over; day had almost come,
and the birds were piping in the shrubbery and on the forest-trees of
the garden. The Prince and his companions were visible for a moment as
they followed an alley between two flowering thickets; but at the first
corner a clump of foliage intervened, and they were again concealed from
view. This was all that the Colonel and the Physician had an opportunity
to see, and the garden was so vast, and the place of combat evidently so
remote from the house, that not even the noise of sword-play reached
their ears.

"He has