" He laughed and rubbed his hands
in pleasurable anticipation. "There is a young man downstairs, who
arrived a few moments before the lieutenant. He has a special affair.
There were words. Herr Lieutenant is mad enough to fight a whole
company."
"Then, why in heaven's name am I up here in this condition?" I cried.
"Let me go and be the young man's second; though I can't for the life
of me see where he has come from so suddenly, and I might say,
opportunely. Come, cut me loose."
"It is too late!"
"Too late?"
"Yes. Herr Lieutenant has been informed that you ran away."
"Ran away!" I roared. "You told him that I ran away? Damn your
insolence! I'll break every bone in your body for this!" I cried,
straining at the ropes.
"The ropes are new," said he; "you'll hurt yourself."
"You told him that I ran away?" This was too much.
"Yes. Ah, but you will be surprised. The duel will last five minutes.
Herr Lieutenant will thrust; the thrust will be parried. He will
feint; useless. Thrust on thrust; parry on parry. Consternation will
take the place of confidence; he will grow nervous; he will try all his
little tricks and they will fail.
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