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 and drew his sword, striving to get at me and cursing wildly.

I was as cool now outwardly as if nothing had happened, and in my heart a feeling of almost wild exultation throbbed and rushed.

"You are all witnesses, gentlemen," I said to the men near me, "that from the first this quarrel has been forced upon me. Lieutenant Spernow, for the present you will act for me."

"I will have your life for this!" cried the Duke, mad with rage.

I made no reply. There was nothing more to be gained by any further taunts.

"I am sorry this has happened here and to-night," I said to my host. "But you must have seen it was none of my seeking. You will excuse me if I go."

I left, and walked home with a feeling of rare pleasure at the thought of the coming fight. If I did not punish him for his foul insult, then surely was I what he had said—a coward.