At last the major seemed to brace up. He announced that he was ready for the worst. By this time it had grown quite light outside, although there were still deep shadows in the cemetery. Again Achmet turned to the professor and the boys. “We are ready,” he said. “Where are the weapons?” The surgeon was kneeling on the ground, having opened his case. He was laying out his instruments on a white cloth. “If you are ready, we are,” said Dick. “The weapons are in these baskets. You may select either basket you choose. Let the major remove his coat in order that his arms may be free and unhampered. Professor, strip.” Smothering a groan, Zenas permitted Brad to assist him in removing his coat. Major Fitts also took his coat off. Achmet hesitated when invited to choose one of the baskets. He feared a trick and inquired if the weapons in one basket were identical with those in the other. Dick assured him that there was not the slightest difference. “I selected them myself with the greatest care,” asserted the boy. “They are good and strong.” “And rank,” muttered Buckhart softly. “Let the major and the professor stand ten paces apart,” said Dick. “At that distance, they should be able to hit each other once in three shots, at least. Let them begin firing at the word and continue until one or the other falls, cries enough, or the ammunition is exhausted. Brad, pace the distance.” Buckhart did so promptly, but his paces were very short. He made a mark with his heel for Zenas and another to indicate the position of the major. In the meantime Achmet had selected one of the baskets and carried it to the point where his principal was to stand. Dick placed the other near the spot marked for the professor. Neither of the duelists knew the sort of weapons decided on, and both watched with great anxiety the uncovering of the baskets. Taking note of Achmet’s movements, Dick removed the cloth from the professor’s basket at the same moment that the Turk lifted the covering of the other basket. Both baskets were filled with eggs! “Eggs?” gasped Fitts. “Eggs?” breathed Gunn. “Eggs-actly,” chuckled Brad Buckhart. “Why, I—I don’t understand!” faltered the professor. “What does this mean, gentlemen?” demanded the major. “Will yo’ kindly explain it?” “Having the choice of weapons,” said Dick, “I decided on eggs, good and rank. Here they are. Only fools fight duels over trivial things with deadly weapons. With these eggs you cannot kill each other, but you can soak each other to your hearts’ content and thus satisfy your wounded honor.” “But, suh, I never heard of such a thing, suh!” exploded Fitts. “It is ridiculous!” “All right,” returned Dick. “If you object, I have brought these.” He produced two huge pistols.