“True. I didn’t think of that; yet I don’t think he will until I give him leave. But so much the more need of a speedy warning. When Robert--Mr. Clinton comes in, you will see to it that he is on his guard. They may come after him at any moment.” “I will wait till he comes in. He should be here by now.” “And I must get off at once. I would not encounter him for the world. Kiss me, Rhoda. I never loved you half so well. You are a dear good girl. I wish I were half so wise and discreet.” Rhoda smiled, and gave her the asked-for kiss; then Lettice again mounted her horse and turned down the level road. She had not travelled very far before she heard the hoofs of horses coming rapidly toward her. Suddenly there was a pause in the advancing sound, and she drew in her horse. In the moonlight she could see the forms of two horsemen ahead of her. She watched them for a few moments as they carried on an excited conversation. Presently each led his horse to one side and tied him to the fence; then they stood apart in the middle of the road. Again there seemed to be a heated discussion. Lettice wondered what it was all about. She longed, yet feared, to draw nearer; but at last her curiosity overcame her fear, and she too led her horse to the shadow of a tree, tied him, and crept along by the fence till she came within hearing distance. At this point she gave a quick exclamation which nearly betrayed her to the two young men, in whom she recognized Robert Clinton and Ellicott Baldwin. She cowered close to the fence, her heart beating very fast. She dreaded to advance or retreat. “I am at your service at any time and at any place,” Mr. Baldwin was saying. “I will accept any challenge sent in the regular way.” “Now! I insist upon it now. If you refuse, I shall deem you a coward and a braggart,” cried Robert. “Then,” returned the other, hastily, “choose your position.” At that moment Lettice arose to her feet. This was a duel, she comprehended, and perhaps one or the other would be killed. She ran forward and held up her hand. “You should have witnesses,” she said. “Here is one.” She stood between them, looking from one to the other. The men were thunderstruck. “You, Miss Hopkins! What are you doing here? I rode out to find you,” Mr. Baldwin said, but Robert spoke never a word. “I beg of you to desist,” Lettice went on. “I chanced to be coming this way. I have been to the house of a sick relative and was on my way home. This is our own ground, and I forbid you to make it a place of bloodshed.” “I bow to a lady’s decree,” Mr. Baldwin said, returning his pistol to its place. “Why did you give us the slip, Miss Hopkins? And what is your desire concerning yonder gentleman? You denounced him in my presence, and yet when the moment came to declare his offence to your brother, you ran away. As for me, my lips are sealed till you give me permission to speak.”