n to the Frenchman's face. "I
fail to see the need of more words. You have asked for deeds, and you
shall have them. When and where do you propose that this encounter
shall take place?"

"To-morrow morning--about four o'clock--on the sands between Calais
and Wissant."

In spite of all that had gone before, Medenham was unprepared for this
categorical answer. Were he in full possession of his faculties he
must have seen the trap into which he was being decoyed. Unhappily,
Vanrenen's letter had helped to complete the lure, and he was no
longer amenable to the dictates of cold reason.

"That is hardly possible," he said. "I do not propose to bring myself
under the law as a murderer, Monsieur Marigny. I am ready to take the
consequences of a fair fight, but to secure that, certain
preliminaries are indispensable."

"I was sure you would meet me," said Marigny, smiling nonchalantly as
he lighted the cigarette again. "I have arranged everything, even the
attendance of witnesses and a doctor. We cross over to Calais by the
night boat from Dover, pick up the others at the Hotel de la Plage, at
which they will arrive to-night, and drive straight to the _terrain_.
There is no prospect of outside interference. This is not the sort of
duel which either of the combatants is anxious to advertise broadcast.
My friends will be discretion itself, and I need hardly express my
conviction that you will not make known in England the purpose of
our journey. Of course, it is open to you to bring one of your own
friends, if you think fit. But my notion is, that these affairs should
be settled discreetly in the presence of the smallest possible number
of onlookers. I shall, of course, satisfy you as to the standing of
the gentlemen I have summoned from Paris. On the table there are their
telegrams accepting my invitation to meet us at Calais. When you came
in I was busy putting my wretched affairs in order. At least I have
given you proof of my belief in your courage. I even go so far as to
say that I regret most profoundly the necessity which has driven me to
use threats against a charming lady in order to wring a challenge out
of you. Of course, between ourselves, I know perfectly well that there
is not a word of truth in the statements I have pledged myself to
make, but that defect in nowise detracts from their efficiency.
Indeed, it commends them the more to the real purveyor of scandal----"

The door slammed behind Medenham. A dreadf