"I think I see them coming," said the other.
" I saw a carriage descend the hill yonder.  Is
there nothing else you have to say—nothing that
you think of, Harry?"

"Nothing. If it should be a question of a
funeral, Bob, my funds will show how econo-
mically it must be done ; but even if I had
been richer, it is not an occasion I should like
to make costly."

"It was not of that I was thinking. It was
of friends or relations."

" My dear fellow, I have few relatives and
no friends. No man's executorship will ever
entail less trouble than mine. I have nothing
to leave, nor any to leave it to."

" But these letters—the cause of the present
meeting— don't you intend that in case of—in
the event of—— "

"My being killed. Go on."

"That they should be given up to your
cousin?"

"Nothing of the kind ever occurred to me.
In the first place, I don't mean to be shot; and
in the second, I have not the very remotest
intention of releasing the dear Sophy from those
regrets and sorrows which she ought to feel for
my death. Nay, I mean her to mourn me with
a degree of affliction to which anxiety will add
the poignancy."

"This is not generous, Calvert."

" I'm sure it's not. Why, my dear friend,
were I to detect any such weakness in my
character, I'd begin to fancy I might end by
becoming a poltroon."

"Is that your man—he in the cloak—or the
tall one behind him ?" said Barnard, as he
pointed to a group who came slowly along
through a vineyard.

"I cannot say; I never saw Mr. Graham to
my knowledge. Don't let them be long about
the preliminaries, Bob; the morning is fresh, and
the ground here somewhat damp. Agree to all
they ask, distance, and everything, only secure
that the word be given by you. Remember that,
and in the way I've told you."

As Calvert strolled listlessly along towards
the river, Barnard advanced to meet the others,
who, to the number of five, came now forward.
Colonel Rochefort, Mr. Graham's friend, and
Barnard were slightly acquainted, and turned
aside to talk to each other in confidence.

"It is scarcely the moment to hope for it,
Mr. Barnard," said the other," but I cannot
go on without asking, at least, if there is any
peaceful settlement possible ?"

"I fear not. You told me last night that all
retraction by your friend of his offensive letter
was impossible."

"Utterly so."

"What, then, would you suggest?"

"Could not Mr. Calvert be brought to see
that it was he who gave the first offence. That,
in writing, as he did, to a man in my friend's
position—- "

"Mere waste of time, colonel, to discuss this;
besides, I think we have each of us already said
all that we could on this question, and Calvert
is very far from being satisfied with me for
having allowed myself to entertain it. There is
really nothing for it but a shot."

"Yes, sir ; but you seem to forget, if we
proceed to this arbitrament, it is not a mere
exchange of fire will satisfy my friend."

"We are, as regards that, completely at his
service; and if your supply of ammunition be
only in proportion to the number of your
followers, you can scarcely be disappointed."

The colonel reddened deeply, and, in a certain
irritation, replied : "One of these gentlemen is a
travelling companion of my friend, whose health
is too delicate to permit him to act for him; the
other is a French officer of rank, who dined with
us yesterday ; the third is a surgeon."

"To us it is a matter of perfect indifference if
you come accompanied by fifty, or five hundred;
but let us lose no more time. I see how I am
trying my friend's patience already. Ten paces,
short paces, too," began Barnard, as he took his
friend's arm.

"And the word?"

"I am to give it."

"All right; and you remember how?"

"Yes; the word is, One- two; at the second
you are to fire."

"Let me hear you say them."
"One—two."

"No, no; that's not it. One-two— sharp; don't
dwell on the interval; make them like syllables
of one word."

"One-two."

"Yes, that's it ; and remember that you cough
once before you begin. There, don't let them
see us talking together. Give me a shake hands,
and leave me."

"That man is nervous, or I am much
mistaken," said Graham's invalid friend to the
colonel ; and they both looked towards Calvert,
who, with his hat drawn down over his brows,
walked lazily to his ground.

"It's not the reputation he has," whispered
the colonel. " Be calm, Graham; be as cool as
the other fellow."

The principals were now placed, and the
others fell back on either side, and, almost
instantaneously, so instantaneously, indeed, that
Colonel Rochefort had not yet ceased to walk,
two shots rung out, one distinctly before the
other, and Graham fell.

All ran towards him but Calvert, who, throwing
his pistol at his feet, stood calm and erect.
For a few seconds they bent down over the
wounded man, and then Barnard, hastening
back to his friend, whispered, "Through the
chest; it is all over."

"Dead?" said the other.

He nodded, and taking his arm, said, "Don't
lose a moment; the Frenchman says you have
not an instant to spare."

For a moment Calvert moved as if going
towards the others, then, as if with a changed
purpose, he turned sharply round and walked
towards the high road.

As Calvert was just about to gain the road.
Barnard ran after him, and cried out, "Stop,