"I suppose so. You recall how it turned out last time."
"This time will be different. You won't get off so easily."
"Have your own way about it. I guess Paul Drew will be my second again, but I should think you'd had enough of fighting."
"Not with you! I'll never be satisfied until I've beaten you!"
"Then you'll wait a long time."
The two had talked in rather low but tense tones, and they were not aware that they were directly beneath a window that had been opened to let in the fresh air. Nor did they see the frightened face of a girl at the casement.
"Will after the ball suit you?" asked Dutton, as he turned aside.
"Any time."
Dick remained in the cool winter air a little longer, filling his lungs with the oxygen, and when he returned to the ballroom he saw no sign of Dutton. Nor did he see Miss Hanford, though he looked for her, as he had another dance coming.
Supper was served soon after this, and Dick had no sooner risen from the table than Paul Drew signalled him to step one side.
"Dutton has sent a challenge to you by Stiver," he said.
"I expected it."
"Yes, but what do you think he wants?"
