It was then eleven o'clock. Benedict promptly ordered breakfast. Colonel Anderson returned in ten minutes and announced that all was settled. Whereupon they applied themselves to their repast until the clock struck twelve. "Colonel," said Benedict, "do not let us be late." "We have no great distance to go. It is a pretty place, as you will see. Are you influenced by surroundings?" "I would rather fight on grass than on cultivated ground." "We are going to Eilenriede; it is a sort of Hanoverian Bois de Boulogne. In the middle of the wood there is a little open glade with a spring in it, which might have been made for this sort of encounter. I have been there once or twice on my own account and three or four times on other people's. By the way, have you secured another second?" "There are five on the other side, one of them will oblige me." "But suppose they refused?" "Not likely! But, even if they did, you alone would be sufficient. And, as they seem anxious to finish the affair one way or another, there will be no difficulties." Lenhart had already announced the carriage. The colonel explained the way to him. In half-an-hour they arrived at the little glade, with ten minutes to spare. "A lovely spot," said Benedict. "As the others are not yet here, I will sketch it." And, producing a sketch-book from his pocket, he dashed off a very accurate view of the place with remarkable rapidity and skill. Presently a carriage appeared in the distance. As they drew near Benedict rose and took off his hat. The three officers, the editor, and a surgeon they had brought, occupied it. In the officers, Benedict at once recognized his three protectors at Berlin. His adversaries left their carriage at a little distance and courteously returned his salute. Colonel Anderson went to meet them and explained that his principal, being a stranger, had no second but himself, and asked if one of his opponents would supply the deficiency. They consulted a moment, then one of the officers crossed over and bowed to Benedict. "I am much obliged by your courtesy, sir," said Benedict. "We will agree to anything, sir--rather than lose time," replied the officer. Benedict bit his lip. "Will you at once select the weapons," he said to Colonel Anderson in English, "we must not keep these gentlemen waiting." Von Bülow had already divested himself of helmet, coat, waistcoat, and cravat. Benedict studied him carefully as he did so. He appeared to be about thirty-three and to have lived in his uniform until he felt uncomfortable out of it. He was dark, with glossy black hair cut quite short, a straight nose, black moustache and very decided chin. Both courage and loyalty could be read in the frank and open glance of his dark eyes.