"But yes! I watched very closely. What did he want with you?" "He came to impose his will--his will!--on mine. Curse his impudence!" "Why? What did he say?" asked Le Vallon inquisitively. Bancroft did not answer. "I want you to act for me," he said abruptly. "He--insulted me, and I've sworn to teach him a lesson." Le Vallon drew back a little. "What? You seek to kill him? Kill _le petit Anglais_?" His tone was dubious. "No, not quite that. I've no wish for trouble. He has too many friends. I'll teach him to leave me alone!" "Oh, yes! But..." Le Vallon pursed his lips. "But what?" barked Bancroft. "It is said that he is a not-to-be-despised swordsman. He pinked Armand de Sedlamont with great ease." "Pooh!" said Bancroft. "Six months ago--" "I know, I know, but he has changed." Bancroft scowled. "Well, will you act for me or not?" Le Vallon drew himself up. "M'sieur, I do not entirely appreciate your manner." Bancroft laughed uneasily. "Oh, come, Le Vallon! Don't take offence! That puppy has so annoyed me that I can scarce keep my temper. Where's De Chambert?" "Playing at lansquenet with De Farraud. And I think we had best mingle with the others. I do not care to appear conspicuous." Bancroft caught at his arm. "But you will second me?" "I shall be honoured," bowed Le Vallon. "And I hope you will succeed in showing my fine gentleman his place." Later in the evening Saint-Dantin sauntered over to where Philip sat, perched on the edge of the table, toasting some of his friends. Saint-Dantin joined the gathering and laid a hand on Philip's shoulder. Philip, who was drinking, choked. "_Malédiction!_ Oh, 'tis you, Louis! What now?" "There is a rumour that you go to fight _ce cher_ Bancroft, Philippe." "Already?" Philip was startled. "Who told you?" "_Personne._" Saint-Dantin smiled. "It is whispered here and there. And Bancroft looks so black at you. It's true?" "Of course it's true! Did I not say I should do it? His seconds are to wait upon you and Jules." "How very fatiguing!" sighed Saint-Dantin. "But quite amusing. One jubilates. Bancroft is not at all liked. He is so _entreprenant_. An' I mistake not, you will have an audience," he chuckled. "What?" Philip gripped his wrist. "I won't have an audience!" Saint-Dantin blinked, loosening the clasp on his wrist. "_Pas si éclatant_, Philippe," he said. "You twist and turn like a puppet on wires! I only know that at least five here to-night swear they'll see the fight." "But it is monstrous!" objected Philip. "I forbid you to divulge the whereabouts of the meeting." "Oh, _entendu_! But the secret will out." "How am I to keep a steady wrist with a dozen ogling fools watching?" demanded Philip. "You must keep it steady," said De Chatelin. "My money's for you, _petit Anglais_!" Philip looked genuinely perturbed. "Henri, it is iniquitous! It is not a public exhibition that I engage in! One would say we were gladiators!"