"Well, you are the limit," he said. "You are always in a scrape of some kind. I suppose it's up to me to prevent the duel."
"No," agreed Chester, "and it's up to you to make the third party on our side. I suppose the other crowd will bring a surgeon."
"Do you know what will happen if you are found out?" demanded the lieutenant.
"Well, it probably will mean strict confinement, at least. The regulations in regard to dueling are very stringent."
"I can't help that," said Hal. "I can't back out now."
"Well, if that's the way you feel about it," replied the lieutenant, "I'll help you as best I can. I'll stay here to-night and go along to see that you get fair play."
It was hardly light when Chester, who had been unable to close his eyes, aroused Lieutenant Anderson. The two finished dressing before rousing Hal, thinking to give him all the rest possible before waking him up. Finally Chester shook him by the shoulder.
"What's the matter," muttered Hal drowsily. "Time to get up already? I just went to sleep. What's up? Oh, yes, I remember now. I'm to fight a duel this morning. All right, I'll be ready in a jiffy."
"How did you sleep?" demanded Chester, as Hal was dressing.
Lieutenant Anderson approached and laid his finger on Hal's pulse.
"I haven't any nerves, if that is what you mean," said Hal with a smile.
"I believe it," he replied. "But come, we had better be on our way."
Quietly the three left the tent. There was a penetrating chill in the early morning air. It was light now, but the sun had not yet appeared above the horizon. Dense clouds obscured the sky.
"Not a very cheerful morning to die," commented Hal lightly, as they made their way quietly along.
"You are not afraid, are you?" asked Chester anxiously.
"What, after yesterday? Not a little bit."
"I don't believe you know what fear is," declared Lieutenant Anderson.
Lieutenant Dupree, his two friends and a surgeon were already on the ground when Hal, Chester and Lieutenant Anderson arrived. All raised their caps as they came together. The seconds drew apart to discuss the details of the duel, Hal and Lieutenant Dupree in the meantime discarding their coats and rolling up their sleeves.
The details completed, Hal and the French lieutenant were at last face to face.