"This sham between us is disgusting. Let us settle our differences as gentlemen adjust such affairs." "Do you mean that we shall fight it out?" asked Dic. "Yes," returned Williams. "You are not afraid to fight, are you?" "No, and yes," answered Dic. "I have had but few fights--I fear I could not go into a fight in cold blood and--and for many reasons I do not wish to fight you." "I supposed you would decline. I knew you to be a coward," sneered Williams, growing brave upon seeing Dic's disinclination. "No," responded Dic, calmly looking into Williams's face, "I have nothing to fear from you. You could not stand against me even for one minute." "But you misunderstand me," said Williams. "I do not wish to fight with my fists. That is the method of ruffians and country bullies. I am not surprised at your mistake." Dic laughed softly and replied: "I do not know why your words don't anger me. Perhaps because I pity you. I can afford to be magnanimous and submit to your ravings; therefore, I am neither angry nor afraid." "I propose to settle our difficulty as gentlemen adjust such affairs," said Williams. "Of course, you know nothing about the methods of gentlemen. I challenge you to meet me in a duel. Now do you understand--understand?" Williams was nervous, and there was a murderous gleam in his eyes. Dic's heart throbbed faster for a moment, but soon took again its regular beat. He rapidly thought over the situation and said:-- "I don't want to kill you and don't want you to kill me." He paused for a moment with a smile on his lips and continued: "Suppose we let the girl decide this between us. But perhaps I am again showing my ignorance of gentlemanly methods. Do gentlemen force their attentions upon unwilling ladies?" "Oh, if you refuse," retorted Williams, ignoring his question, "I can slap your face now in the public streets." "Don't do it, Williams," responded Dic, looking to the ground and trying to remain calm. "Why?" Williams asked. "Because--I will fight you if you insist, without the occasion of a street brawl. Another name might be brought into that." "Am I to understand that you accept my challenge?" asked Williams. "Yes, if you insist," replied Dic, calmly, as if he were accepting an invitation to dinner. "I have always supposed that this sort of an affair should be arranged between gentlemen by their friends; but of course I don't know how gentlemen act under these circumstances. Perhaps you don't consider me a gentleman, and you certainly must have some doubts in your mind concerning yourself; therefore, it may be proper for us to arrange this little matter with each other." "I suppose you would prefer seconds," returned Williams. "They might prevent a meeting." After a few moments of silence Dic said, "If we fight, I fear another person's name will be dragged into our quarrel."