He Acts by the Code
like a pistol shot. One cheek of Monsieur le Prince suddenly paled, then flushed scarlet with the imprint of Chambret's fingers. He gasped, thrust his hand swiftly into his breast pocket, and sprang for Chambret's throat, flourishing a blade that glittered in the lamplight. But he brought up abruptly, and recovered his senses, with his nose to the muzzle of O'Rourke's revolver.
Monsieur le Prince's eyes ranged furiously from the Irishman to his own compatriot. He put up the knife with a swagger. "Ah," said he; "a conspiracy, I see, messieurs."
"Exactly," drawled O'Rourke. "Just as much so as yours with Soly."
Prince Felix stepped back, with a little cry of rage.
"The man lies!" he gasped.
"Of what is monsieur accused, that he should defend himself?" inquired O'Rourke politely.
Monsieur le Prince was caught. He darted a furious glance at O'Rourke, biting his lip.
"Well," he said doggedly, "what do you purpose doing about it?"
"This is my affair," interposed Chambret. "Monsieur has insulted me? Will you fight—dog?"
"A duel?" The eyes of Monsieur le Prince expressed unbounded amazement.
"Yes."
"Ah!" cried the prince. "You afford me that chance, eh?"
"No," Chambret coldly negatived.
"But, as the challenged party, I shall choose swords."
"Very well; I am agreeable."
O'Rourke turned to the terrified Mouchon.
"Ye there!" he cried sternly. "Go to the tent of your master, and fetch his case of rapiers."
[ 135 ]
