“Wait a moment, boy,” advised the Turk, still maintaining his cool and insolent manner. “I am here on most important business. Professor Gunn has been challenged to mortal combat by Major Fitts, and I have come as the representative of the major to make arrangements for the affair of honor.” “Well,” said Dick, “you may return and tell that little blusterer to go to a warmer clime! Professor Gunn is not a fighting man, and he will not meet Major Fitts in a duel.” “Hold on—hold on, Richard!” called the professor, who was beginning to feel the influence of the “medicine” from the leather-covered flask. “Don’t be so hasty! I want you to understand that I am no coward! That withered old pippin can’t frighten me! No, sir! If he wants to fight a duel, I’ll meet him, and I’ll give him all he wants of it!” “Professor, you——” “Stop, Richard—stop right there! I know my own business. If I were to let that mistake from Mississippi drive me into my boots I’d never after have the face to look at my own reflection in a mirror.” “But a duel, professor—a real duel——” “I know. It’s all right. I’ll show him the kind of stuff I’m made of, I will! He thinks he’ll frighten me, but he’ll find out he can’t jar me a bit. I’ll meet him with weapons of any sort. I’ll meet him anywhere!” “Whoop!” cried Buckhart. “The old boy means it, pard, and I reckon he’ll make good!” “Mowbry Fitts will find out that I’ll make good,” said Zenas. “He can’t send his representative here and frighten Zenas Gunn, of Fardale. Fix it up, Richard. You shall be my second. I leave it all to you. That unfortunate fall shook me up, and I’m a trifle dizzy. I’ll retire again. But this gentleman had better tell old Fitts to prepare for his funeral. That’s all he’ll be good for when I am through with him.” Then Zenas again retired to his room. Aziz Achmet waited. Dick Merriwell thought swiftly. “Where and when shall this duel take place?” he asked. “There is an old cemetery a short distance up the street,” said the Turk. “Well?” “It will be an excellent place for the meeting.” “And the hour?” “Daybreak to-morrow, if it suits you.” “That’s all right.” “The weapons——” “We have the choice of weapons,” interrupted Merriwell. “And you choose swords—or pistols?” “We will not only choose the weapons, we’ll provide them,” said the boy. “I’ll have them on hand, Mr. Achmet.” “But it is customary to settle all these little details in advance, boy.” “You have forced this affair on Professor Gunn. I guarantee that he will be on hand at the appointed time to-morrow morning. I also guarantee that he will have the weapons. If you’re not satisfied with that, get out of these rooms and cease to annoy us further.” “That’s business!” cried Buckhart. Achmet seemed to think a moment, but he finally bowed, retreating gracefully toward the door.