Of course, you have
come prepared. It is a fine time for shooting. This first light of
twilight gives us equal advantage. Will it be at ten or twenty paces?
I dare say, if we stand at twenty, in the centre of the road, we shall
have a good look at each other before we separate indefinitely."
"Your Highness insists?" murmured the Count.
"I not only insist, I command." The Prince took off his coat and
waistcoat and deposited them on the grass at the side of the road.
Hillars did likewise. There was a pleased expression on his face. "I
do believe, Count," laughed the Prince, "this fellow expects to kill
me. Now, the pistols."
"If you will permit me," said the innkeeper, taking an oblong box from
under his coat. "These are excellent weapons."
The Prince laughed. "I suppose, innkeeper, if the result is disastrous
to me, it will please you?"
The innkeeper was not lacking in courtesy. "It would be a pleasure, I
assure you. There are certain reasons why I cannot fight you myself."
"To be sure."
"It would be too much like murder," continued the innkeeper. "Your
hand would tremble so that you would miss me at point-blank.
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