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 CHAPTER XVIII

THE FIGHT

As I dismounted I saluted the others and glanced sharply at the Duke, who feigned not to notice my salute, and looked away without returning it. I hoped I could detect an expression of genuine anxiety on his face, as if he did not at all relish the turn things had taken; and purposely I assumed as dark and stern an expression as I could force into my face. Though I was debarred from killing him, I would at least act as if I meant to.

It did not take much time to select the place and complete the necessary preliminaries, and while I was making ready I drew Zoiloff aside.

"I must have a last word with you, my friend," I said earnestly. "Matters have taken a strange turn since I saw you; I have had an urgent request from the Princess not to kill the Duke, and I don't hide from myself that I am now going probably to my death. If I am to act only on the defensive, I can't carry on the fight indefinitely, of course; and, if I fall, I charge you on your honour to let the Princess know that my last thoughts were of her."

He saw instantly how grave the prospect was, and was more moved than I could have believed.

"We have arranged that it shall be to the death, Count. She had no right to make such a request.