"He took me by surprise, and he hit with such force, that he knocked me out of time. My head swims now and I am so dizzy, I feel as if I should faint." They passed out of the door, leaving Jack and the professor together. The latter shook Harkaway by the hand very warmly. "Many thanks, my dear fellow," he exclaimed. "You acted very properly in punishing that man. He has made a dead-set at me for some time past." "On my account; I know it all," replied Jack. "This row was bound to come. I was warned of it only this morning." "Do you think he means to fight?" "I am sure of it." "And you will meet him?" "I do not see how I can avoid it. No matter; _vive la bagatelle_, as the French say. A life of adventure for me." Jack related to Mr. Mole the proceedings of the club and the selection of a committee to proceed to New York. In a short time Harvey came in, and when told about the quarrel with Lord Maltravers, gladly consented to act as his second, if a challenge should be sent. The law of England forbade dueling, but in France, hostile meetings frequently took place, and they did not doubt that the encounter would be arranged for that country. As the challenged party, Jack had the choice of weapons and resolved to choose swords, as he was an expert swordsman. He invited the professor and Harvey to dine with him at his hotel, intending to go to the theater afterward, but this intention was frustrated by the visit of Captain Cannon, who sent up his card saying he wanted to see him on urgent business. Jack stepped into an inner room and at once accorded him an interview. "Very sorry to trouble you about an unpleasant matter," said the captain. "But Lord Maltravers has asked me to act as his friend." "I understand," replied Jack. "You have heard all about this unfortunate business." "Surely, and if a blow had not been struck we could have arranged it. As it is, a meeting must take place." "Where?" "At Calais, by daybreak to-morrow morning." "So soon?" "Yes, it is useless to delay," replied the captain. "The express train leaves at half-past eight. Who is your second?" "Mr. Harvey." "Very well. I shall expect him at my hotel, the Imperial, after our arrival. We will arrange everything. It is all very simple. I fought a dozen duels before I was your age and always winged my man." "Really!" "Fact, I assure you. Keep your courage up." "No fear of that," replied Jack. "I hope your principal will be as calm as I am." "Oh! he won't show the white feather," answered Captain Cannon. "The Maltravers blood may be bad, but there isn't an ounce of cowardice in it. Good-by, we meet to-morrow." Jack nodded, and seeing Captain Cannon out, excused himself to Mr. Mole and sent for Monday, to whom he confided the fact that he was going to France to fight a duel. "You fight a jewell, Marse Jack?" said Monday; "what you want to do that for?" "It is a point of honor. Don't you see? I struck this man and must give him satisfaction."