All preparations having been made, the colonel took his place. The seconds removed a little distance away from their principals to be out of range. "Are you ready, gentlemen?" said the colonel. "Ready, sir!" answered both men, promptly. They both stood slightly turned, their right sides presented, their arms depending, with the cocked pistol in the right hand. "You know the conditions. I shall count 'one, two,' and then give the word 'fire!'" continued the colonel. "After the order is given you may discharge your weapons at will." The colonel had a third pistol in hand, for what purpose no one quite understood. The silence was absolutely breathless. [Illustration: "One!" said the old soldier, his voice ringing hollow through the apartment] "One!" said the old soldier, his voice ringing hollow through the apartment. "Two!" he said, more strongly. "Fire!" he snapped out at last. Instantly there was a flash of light, a cloud of smoke, a crashing report from Gardner's pistol. Mason's second, closely watching his principal, thought he saw a flick of dust rise from his coat. The Virginian staggered slightly, raised his left arm and laid it across his breast, but still stood erect, his pistol in his half-extended hand. "Great God!" cried Gardner, hoarsely, as he saw his rival standing before him apparently unharmed. "Have I missed him?" He put his hand in bewilderment to his head and staggered back from his position. "Back to the card, sir!" thundered the colonel, cocking and raising his pistol and pointing it directly at Gardner. "Of course, sir," returned the sailor, dauntlessly, stepping back to the card as he spoke. "I trust no gentleman here will think I shrank from the return bullet. 'Twas but surprise. Take your shot, I beg of you, Captain Mason." His face was deadly pale, yet he forced a smile to his lips. "You still have a shot, Captain Mason. Take it. We acquit Lieutenant Gardner of any timidity whatever," said the colonel, lowering his weapon. Mason, who had grown as white as his rival, deliberately raised his pistol and took long and careful aim. The men in the room gazed breathlessly. They shifted about uneasily. Gardner stood with the smile petrified upon his face. Mason at last pressed the trigger, but the pistol missed fire and there was no discharge. The soldier lowered his arm and recocked his weapon. "By heavens, it looks like murder!" burst forth one of the men. "Silence, gentlemen!" shouted the colonel, handling his pistol again; "the man is entitled to his shot, and he shall have it. I'll kill the first man that interferes!" "I beg him to take it," cried Gardner, with splendid courage, for if ever man could read his death-warrant in another's face, he saw it in the countenance of his antagonist. Once more Mason raised his pistol. This time nothing prevented the discharge. His deliberate aim had been successful, and Gardner fell dead instantly, the bullet in his heart.