“Fortunately for society, messieurs,” said the Commandant de Vic, who had just arrived, and who was followed by MM. de la Soulaye and de Buffières. The first step Justice takes in the punishment of duellists is to bring them together in her ante-chamber. But for the profound respect the French profess for her, conflicts might be renewed there. It is true, nevertheless, that the custom, which might be attended with grave consequences, has often a wholesome effect. Adversaries often shake hands at the moment they are about to appear before the judge. M. de la Soulaye, perceiving the lover of Adéonne, saluted him courteously, and offered his hand. Eusebe bowed, but did not respond to the advance made by his late antagonist. “Monsieur,” said the Commandant de Vic, frowning, “I have the honor to call your attention to the fact that M. de la Soulaye offers you his hand.” “I do not wish to offer him mine,” replied Eusebe, “and am sorry that you compel me to say so.” The officer, fired by this curt repulse, advanced, as if he meditated a quarrel; but M. de Buffières restrained him. “You are too condescending, commandant,” said the latter, “in paying any attention to this rustic.” On their part, Paul Buck and Daniel Clamens reproached Eusebe with his want of courtesy. At this moment, three gendarmes entered, escorting three men with villainous countenances, who were seated near the actors in the duel at Peck. “What!” exclaimed Eusebe; “you wish to persuade me that I would act like a well-bred man in giving my hand to a rogue who has slandered a lady, who has tried to kill me, and, in addition, is the cause of our being brought to this disagreeable place, here to await condemnation, in company with three thieves? I cannot credit such a monstrosity of meanness; and I would rather pass for the worst blackguard in the world than touch a finger of the villain.” MM. de la Soulaye, de Vic, and de Buffières were first called into the presence of the magistrate, who kept them away for nearly three hours. Eusebe bit his nails with fierce impatience during this vexatious delay. Clamens, pencil in hand, occupied himself in composing couplets upon the incidents in which he had recently figured. Paul Buck speculated with one of the gendarmes on the philosophy of history. “Monsieur,” said one of the thieves to Eusebe, “won’t you please to give me a little tobacco? I have not smoked for more than four months.” “I have no tobacco,” responded Martin, “but I have some cigars, which, if these gentlemen will permit me, I will give you willingly.” “Give them to him, if you wish,” said one of the gendarmes. “It ought not to be allowed; but”----and the officer shrugged his shoulders. The three young men then emptied their cigar-cases, and slipped some money into the hands of the malefactors. The ice was broken. “Why were you arrested?” asked Paul Buck of a thief who had just been gladdened with three cigars and two francs.