rely an object for scorn
and contempt and indifference now. No; I have no wish to withdraw."

"You read between the lines," he said. "Indeed, I should like nothing
better than to have the privilege of calling you a poltroon and a
coward and to tell your Princess of it." He sauntered back to his
place leisurely.

"Aim the slightest to the left," whispered Pembroke; "the wind will
carry it home."

I pressed his hand. A moment later I stood facing the Prince. I
lifted the pistol and fired. Had the Prince been ten feet to the right
he must have been hit. I threw the smoking pistol aside, let my arms
fall and waited. I could see that Pembroke was biting his lip to hide
his anxiety and disappointment. Slowly the Prince leveled the weapon
at my breast. Naturally I shut my eyes. Perhaps there was a prayer on
my lips. God! how long that wait seemed to me. It became so tedious
that I opened my eyes again. The pistol arm of the Prince appeared to
have frozen in the air.

"It is getting cold," I cried. "Shoot, for God's sake shoot, and end
it!"

In reply the Prince fired into the air, took the pistol by the barrel
and flung it at my feet. The rest of us looked on dumfounded.

"They are all of the same kidney, Count, these Americans," said he.
"They would be dangerous as a nation were it not for their love of
money." Then to me: "Go tell your Princess that I have given your life
to you."

"The devil take you!" I cried. The strain had been terrible.

"All in good time," retorted the Prince, getting into his coat and
furs. "Yesterday morning I had every intention of killing you; this
morning it was farthest from my thoughts, though I did hope to see you
waver. You are a man of courage. So was your friend. It is to be
regretted that we were on different sides. Devil take the women; good
morning!"

After the Count had gathered up the pistols, the two walked toward the
inn. Pembroke and I followed them at a distance.

"I wonder if he had any idea of what a poor shot you were?" mused
Pembroke. "It was a very good farce."

"I aimed ten feet to the right," said I.

"What?"

"Yes."

"Then you knew--"

"Pembroke," said I, "I had no intention of killing him, or even
wounding him. And I never expected to leave this place alive.
Something has occurred during the last twenty-four hours which we do
not understand."

"He was taking great risks."

"It shows the man he is," said I; and the remainder