第36章 How the Brigadier Triumphed in England(6)

He threw a cloth over the pistols which lay upon the table, and he rang the bell.A footman entered."Ask Colonel Berkeley if he will step this way.You will find him in the billiard-room."A moment later there entered a tall thin Englishman with a great moustache, which was a rare thing amid that clean-shaven race.I have heard since that they were worn only by the Guards and the Hussars.This Colonel Berkeley was a guardsman.He seemed a strange, tired, languid, drawling creature with a long black cigar thrusting out, like a pole from a bush, amidst that immense moustache.He looked from one to the other of us with true English phlegm, and he betrayed not the slightest surprise when he was told our intention.

"Quite so," said he; "quite so."

"I refuse to act, Colonel Berkeley," cried Lord Rufton.

"Remember, this duel cannot proceed without you, and I hold you personally responsible for anything that happens."This Colonel Berkeley appeared to be an authority upon the question, for he removed the cigar from his mouth and he laid down the law in his strange, drawling voice.

"The circumstances are unusual but not irregular, Lord Rufton," said he."This gentleman has given a blow and this other gentleman has received it.That is a clear issue.Time and conditions depend upon the person who demands satisfaction.Very good.He claims it here and now, across the table.He is acting within his rights.I am prepared to accept the responsibility."There was nothing more to be said.Lord Rufton sat moodily in the corner with his brows drawn down and his hands thrust deep into the pockets of his riding-breeches.

Colonel Berkeley examined the two pistols and laid them both in the centre of the table.Lord Dacre was at one end and I at the other, with eight feet of shining mahogany between us.On the hearth-rug with his back to the fire, stood the tall colonel, his handkerchief in his left hand, his cigar between two fingers of his right.

"When I drop the handkerchief," said he, "you will pick up your pistols and you will fire at your own convenience.

Are you ready?" "Yes," we cried.

His hand opened and the handkerchief fell.I bent swiftly forward and seized a pistol, but the table, as I have said, was eight feet across, and it was easier for this long-armed milord to reach the pistols than it was for me.

I had not yet drawn myself straight before he fired, and to this it was that I owe my life.His bullet would have blown out my brains had I been erect.As it was it whistled through my curls.At the same instant, just as I threw up my own pistol to fire, the door flew open and a pair of arms were thrown round me.It was the beautiful, flushed, frantic face of Lady Jane which looked up into mine.

"You sha'n't fire! Colonel Gerard, for my sake don't fire," she cried."It is a mistake, I tell you, a mistake, a mistake! He is the best and dearest of husbands.Never again shall I leave his side." Her hands slid down my arm and closed upon my pistol."Jane, Jane," cried Lord Rufton; "come with me.

You should not be here.Come away."

"It is all confoundedly irregular," said Colonel Berkeley.

"Colonel Gerard, you won't fire, will you? My heart would break if he were hurt.""Hang it all, Jinny, give the fellow fair play," cried Lord Dacre."He stood my fire like a man, and I won't see him interfered with.Whatever happens I can't get worse than I deserve."But already there had passed between me and the lady a quick glance of the eyes which told her everything.

Her hands slipped from my arm."I leave my husband's life and my own happiness to Colonel Gerard," said she.

How well she knew me, this admirable woman! I stood for an instant irresolute, with the pistol cocked in my hand.My antagonist faced me bravely, with no blenching of his sunburnt face and no flinching of his bold, blue eyes.