al French," Hal said
calmly, "and your friend may call any time he so desires."

The Frenchman bowed stiffly, and continued on his way. Hal returned to
Chester.

"Back so soon?" said Chester.

"Yes," was Hal's reply; "and back with more trouble."

"What's the matter?" demanded Chester in some consternation.

"Well, I am afraid I have a duel on my hands."

"A duel?"

"Yes; on my way here I accidentally bumped into some fiery French
lieutenant. He slapped me across the face and I knocked him down. He
then informed me his friend would call on me this evening. That sounds
like a duel to me."

"Yes," said Chester, "unless it can be patched up."

"I am afraid it can't. You know these Frenchmen. As far as I am
concerned, there is nothing to fight about, but I am afraid the
Frenchman feels he has a grievance. He'll probably demand a fight or
an apology."

"Well?"

"I have nothing to apologize for; therefore I am afraid it means a
duel."

"Not if I can prevent it," exclaimed Chester, jumping to his feet.

"But you can't," replied Hal grimly. "And you had better lie down
again. You are liable to strain your wound."

"Oh, I am not worrying about the wound," exclaimed Chester. "The
doctor said there was no danger. It's you I am worrying about. Why,
you are likely to be killed."

"Oh, I guess I can give a good account of myself," returned Hal. "I've
been pretty fortunate thus far. I don't figure I am going to fall
before any Frenchman's sword or pistol. I'll probably be saved for a
German bullet some of these days."

Chester became silent. He knew that an argument was useless. Besides,
he knew that in Hal's position his own actions would be the same.

It was shortly after 6 o'clock that evening when two French officers
made their way to the quarters to which the boys had been assigned.

"Choose swords," said Hal laconically, as Chester rose to greet the
callers.

"Mr. Paine," queried one of the Frenchmen politely.

"No," replied Chester; "but I shall act for him."

"Good," returned the Frenchman. "I am Lieutenant Mercer, and this,"
indicating his companion, "is Lieutenant Lamont."

"I am Chester Crawford," said the lad briefly.

"Then, to get down to business," said Lieutenant Mercer. "Mr. Paine
has insulted my friend, Lieutenant Dupree. My friend demands an
apology."

"There'll be no apology," said Chester shortly.

"Ah! In that case my friend, Lieutenant Dupree, demands satisfaction
from Mr. Pain