"Yes, I suppose we do, worse luck. I'll tell you what I'll do. Old Pepper is stopping in this hotel; there seems to be nothing else for it, I'll send for him," said his lordship with a sigh, and he rang the bell. The waiter who answered it was directed to present his lordship's compliments to General Pepper, and to request his immediate presence. The Indian warrior had just breakfasted, and entered the room in a few minutes. He was introduced to the Frenchman; a few words from Lord Spunyarn sufficiently explained the matter. "I understand then, Monsieur de Kerguel," said the general, "that we are the challenged party. As such we are entitled to a choice of weapons?" Monsieur de Kerguel bowed. "Assuredly, Monsieur le Général," he replied. "You will excuse us then for an instant?" said he, as he motioned Spunyarn to the window. "This is a beastly affair, your lordship. It won't admit of arrangement. Do you know if the Frenchman is best at swords or pistols?" "Can't say, I'm sure," replied his lordship; "probably he's a dab at both. I know he was a newspaper man. They all are fighting men." "It's most unfortunate for our man; they'll have to fight. Is Haggard any good at either?" "I don't think he can shoot, at least not in a regulation affair. I know he can use a revolver, and he is very good at single-stick." "It's a heavy responsibility," replied the general seriously. "If it had been arranged for this morning at dawn we might have had a chance with the pistols, for perhaps the Frenchman's hand would have been unsteady. I suppose it was a good knock-down blow?" "A regular snorter!" said his lordship with enthusiasm. "Most unfortunate. Well, we must try our luck with a regulation sabre; they can't well refuse it; ours is the stronger and bigger man. I don't think there's any room for doubt, eh? But it's a precious nuisance. Man's got his wife here too. It's sure to be in the papers. Beastly nuisance; we shall all have to clear out, for I suppose it won't be a mere matter of scratches. It must come off at once too, or we shall be suspected of shirking. I think that's the only course," said the general as he pulled down his wristbands. "I'm afraid so," said his lordship. They rejoined the Frenchman. "Monsieur de Kerguel," said the general, seating himself, "we have elected to choose sabres, regulation sabres; you have no objection, I suppose?" "Sir, the weapon is unusual. As you are doubtless aware, between civilians the small-sword, the rapier and the pistol are what are usually employed. The sabre is unusual, and as a rule only employed in settling the little differences of officers of cavalry."