n in haste, so that
they reached the end of the Allee de la Muette five minutes before the
appointed time.

A man was walking in the allee. Roland recognized Sir John. The seconds
watched the young man's face as he caught sight of his adversary. To
their great astonishment it expressed only tender good-will.

A few more steps and the four principal actors in the scene that was
about to take place met.

Sir John was perfectly calm, but his face wore a look of profound
sadness. It was evident that this meeting grieved him as deeply as it
seemed to rejoice Roland.

The party dismounted. One of the seconds took the box of pistols from
the servants and ordered them to lead away the horses, and not to return
until they heard pistol-shots. The principals then entered the part of
the woods that seemed the thickest, and looked about them for a suitable
spot. For the rest, as Roland had foreseen, the Bois was deserted; the
approach of the dinner hour had called every one home.

They found a small open spot exactly suited to their needs. The seconds
looked at Roland and Sir John. They both nodded their heads in approval.

"Is there to be any change?" one of the seconds asked Sir John.

"Ask M. de Montrevel," replied Lord Tanlay; "I am entirely at his
disposal."

"Nothing," said Roland.

The seconds took the pistols from the box and loaded them. Sir
John stood apart, switching the heads of the tall grasses with his
riding-whip.

Roland watched him hesitatingly for a moment, then taking his resolve,
he walked resolutely toward him. Sir John raised his head and looked at
him with apparent hope.

"My lord," said Roland, "I may have certain grievances against you, but
I know you to be, none the less, a man of your word."

"You are right," replied Sir John.

"If you survive me will you keep the promise that you made me at
Avignon?"

"There is no possibility that I shall survive you, but so long as I have
any breath left in my body, you can count upon me."

"I refer to the final disposition to be made of my body."

"The same, I presume, as at Avignon?"

"The same, my lord."

"Very well, you may set your mind at rest."

Roland bowed to Sir John and returned to his friends.

"Have you any wishes in case the affair terminates fatally?" asked one
of them.

"One only."

"What is it?"

"That you permit Sir John to take entire charge of the funeral
arrangements. For the rest, I have a note in my left hand for him