The music struck up at this juncture and Marie and Lieutenant Holzen glided smoothly across the floor. Lord Hastings, Jack and Frank followed them with their eyes. At last the music stopped. The young German escorted Marie back to her place and returned to his own table. Time passed swiftly now for the three British officers. Again Marie danced with the young German officer, and yet a third time. But when he came for his fourth dance, she shook her head and inclined it toward Frank. The latter had been watching her eagerly and this time he did not hesitate. Getting quickly to his feet he strode across the room and offered the girl his arm. A moment later the music struck up again and the two glided across the floor much to the discomfiture of the young German, who stood gnawing his mustache and fingering his sword belt. Suddenly Frank felt the girl's hand slide into his inside breast pocket and heard the faint crumple of paper. He was about to speak, but Marie silenced him with a warning: "Sh-h-h." Half a moment later she whispered: "The papers you are after are in your pocket. I took them from Lieutenant Holzen as we danced." Frank made no reply, but he pressed slightly the fingers that rested so lightly in his own. It was a signal and the girl understood. "Now go immediately," she whispered, as the music came to a stop and Frank led her back to her place. But first Frank must needs lean over her hand again to say good-bye. "I shall see you again, some time," he said. Marie smiled, but said nothing. Frank returned to the others. "I have the papers," he said quietly to Lord Hastings. "Good! I had surmised as much," was his commander's reply. "She said that we had better go immediately," said Frank. "We can't do that," said Lord Hastings. "You may remember we have an appointment with a friend of Lieutenant Holzen." It was half an hour later that this friend approached them. Lord Hastings rose to greet him, as did Jack. Frank remained seated. The newcomer introduced himself and Lord Hastings gave a fictitious name, also introducing Jack and Frank in the same manner. Then they went into details of the duel. "As the challenged party," said Lord Hastings, thinking to keep up appearances, "we have the choice of weapons." The German bowed. "Then," said Lord Hastings, "we name revolvers at twenty paces." "Good. And the time?" Lord Hastings seemed to consider for a moment. At last he said: "In the morning at six o'clock." "And the place?" "That shall rest with you." The man designated a spot and Lord Hastings announced that it would be satisfactory. The German bowed and took his departure. "Nothing like keeping up appearances, sir," said Jack with a smile. "To have heard you talk, no one would have expected that you knew the duel was not coming off." "I flatter myself it wasn't done so badly," returned Lord Hastings modestly. "And how soon shall we go, sir?" asked Frank. Lord Hastings produced his watch.