The dance lasted until two o'clock in the morning, and then the guests began leaving. Dick was somewhat surprised to see Miss Hanford in apparently earnest conversation with grizzled Major Webster, but he concluded that she was only telling him what a good time she had had. "Won't you call and see me sometime?" she asked Dick, as she bade him good-night. "I will be pleased to," he said. "And don't--don't have any quarrel with Captain Dutton," she said, with a little smile. "Er--oh, no, I--I--er--I won't," was all Dick could stammer. He resolved that he would have no more quarrels, but it was too late to stop this one. As the last of the guests were leaving, Paul sought out his roommate. "The clump of trees, down by the lagoon," he whispered. "In an hour. What about weapons? Dutton wants to know." "He'll have to wait. I'll bring them with me. It's my privilege." A little later Dick went to his room, where he was busy for some time. When he emerged he was accompanied by Paul. He wore his long cape overcoat, and something bulged beneath it. "I guess he'll be surprised," commented Paul. The clump of trees, which Dutton had selected as the place for the duel, was located on a little point of land that jutted out into the lake, and near a small lagoon. It was some distance from the academy buildings, and out of sight. The trees had kept most of the snow from the ground, and it was a sheltered place. As there was a full moon there was no need of other light. As Dick and Paul approached the place they saw several dark figures moving about. "They're on time," whispered Paul. "Yes. I hope the Colonel doesn't hear of it." As they drew nearer, Stiver stepped forward and said: "Is your man ready, Drew?" "All ready." "Then we demand to know the weapons. My principal will object to pistols, as they make too much noise." "My principal has the choice of weapons, as you know, and unless he is allowed to exercise it we must decline to fight." Paul spoke as though it was very serious. "I know, but, hang it all, man, we can't fight with pistols. We'd have the whole crowd down on us," objected Stiver, in some alarm. "I'll not fight with pistols," put in Dutton, which was a wrong thing for a brave duelist to do. "Don't be worried," replied Dick coolly "I have not selected pistols. But we are delaying too long. I am ready." "So are we," said Stiver, but it was observed that his voice was not very steady. He was beginning to wish he had had nothing to do with this. It seemed to be getting serious, and he, as well as Dutton, wondered what Dick could be carrying under his overcoat. "Take your places," said Paul. "But the weapons," insisted Stiver. "My principal will hand one to your principal as soon as he takes his place," went on Paul. "We seconds must retire to a safe distance." "They--they aren't rifles, are they?" asked Stiver, and this time his voice was very shaky.