In handling his sword-hilt, Peyton had pulled the weapon a few inches out of the scabbard, and now, though he did not intend to draw while in the house, he unconsciously brought out the full length of what remained of the blade. For the time he had forgotten the sword was broken, and now he was reminded of it with some inward irritation. Meanwhile Colden was answering: "There's no regularity in such a meeting. Where are the seconds?" "I'll be your second, major," cried Elizabeth. "Aunt Sally, second Captain Peyton." "Ridiculous!" said the major. "Anything to bring you out," said Peyton, as desirous of avenging himself on Elizabeth, through her affianced, as she was to complete her own revenge through the same instrument. "I'll fight you with half a sword. I'd forgotten 'tis all I've left." "I would not take an advantage," said the New Yorker. "Then break your own sword, and make us equal," said the Virginian. "I value my weapon too much for that." Peyton smiled ironically. But he tried again. "Then I shall be less scrupulous," said he. "I _will_ take an advantage. The greater honor to you, if you defeat me. You take the broken sword, and lend me yours." He held out his hilt for exchange. Colden pretended to laugh, saying: "Am I a fool to put it in your power to murder me?" "_I'll_ tell you what, gentlemen," put in Elizabeth. "Use the swords above the chimney-place, yonder. They are equal." "Yes!" cried Peyton. But Colden said: "I will not so degrade myself as to cross swords, except on the battle-field, with one who is a rebel, a deserter, and no gentleman." Peyton turned to Elizabeth with a smile. "Then you see, madam," said he, "'tis no fault of mine if my affronts go unpunished, since this gentleman must keep his courage for the battle-field! Egad," he added, sacrificing truth for the sake of the taunt, "you Tories need all the courage there you can save up in a long time! I take my leave of this house!" [Illustration: "'I TAKE MY LEAVE OF THIS HOUSE!'"]