Just as the upper rim of the blazing orb of day peered over the low mountains to the eastward, the coach drew up beneath one of the immense arches of the aqueduct. Malgares caught up the two cutlasses, which had lain beside him in a wrapping of buckskin, and sprang out to meet Walker, who was advancing from around the corner of the massive aqueduct pier. They bowed and exchanged a few words, and Malgares, having handed the swords to Walker, came back to the coach. "Permit me to assist you in removing your hat, cravat, coat, and waistcoat," he said. I stripped to my shirt, delighted to be freed of the encumbering garments. "We meet on the east side of the pier," he explained; and taking my arm, he led me beneath the colossal arch to the corner. A step around brought us face to face with Walker and Medina. Their horses, with the bridle reins thrown over head upon the ground after the custom of the country, stood at a little distance, cropping the dry grass. The ground for several paces alongside and out from the pier was smooth and of a firm, dry, gritty earth. Medina, who had stripped in the same fashion as myself, was looking at the cutlasses, which Walker was holding up to his view. When we turned the corner, Medina immediately stepped back half a dozen paces, with a readiness that showed his experience in the formalities of the _code duello_. Malgares left me and stepped forward beside Walker. They first measured and examined the cutlasses, then exchanged a few words in a low tone. Medina cast an impatient glance at the sun, which was now clearing the horizon. Malgares raised his hand, and stated, first to Medina, then to me: "The principals will take position, at sword's-length, facing as at present. At the word, 'On guard!' given by Lieutenant Walker, they will begin action. At the word '_Arreste!_' by either second, the principals will instantly cease action. Senor, do you comprehend?" "_Si_, senor," replied Medina. "_Si_, senor," I answered, in turn. We were each handed a cutlass, and led up within striking distance. Malgares and Walker drew back three paces. "On guard!" cried Walker, in a thin, high voice. Instantly I dropped almost to the ground and made a long-armed sweep at my opponent's knee. He leaped back barely in time to save himself from being hamstrung. "_Arreste!_" shrilled Walker, springing between us. I rose and stood back, staring from him to Malgares. "What now?" I demanded. "That is not fencing," protested Walker. "No. It is fighting," I retorted. Walker wheeled about and exchanged whispers with his principal. He turned again, to address Malgares: "My principal demands that the duel shall be according to the rules of swordsmanship." "Enough!" I exclaimed. "If he wishes me to stand erect, I will stand erect. Only do not again interrupt." "Very well," replied Walker, and stepping aside, he for the second time gave the signal: "On guard!"