as--so what he called
"damn nonsense." I think, colonel, I am correct? What means that, M.
Greville--damn nonsense?'

"'English for very interesting,' said I, not wishing to aggravate the
situation.

"'Ah, thanks,' said Aramis. 'This American he was pleasant of a
sudden, and would be happy to hear from us all. He did regret that I
came third, but that after he had killed you and the baron he would be
most happy to kill me. _Mon Dieu!_ we shall see. It remains to await
his friends. I shall kill him.'

"'Pardon me,' said the baron; 'he belongs to me.'

"Meanwhile the count's face was a study. What it cost him not to
explode into laughter I shall never guess except by my knowledge of
the internal convulsions of my own organs of mirth. But Athos--I like
him. He said at last very quietly: 'Here, gentlemen, are three
duels--a fair morning's work. May I ask you, M. Greville, if you know
Captain Merton? I mean well.'"

"Lord, what a chance! What did you say?"

"I saw what he meant, and said you were a captain in our army, had
been twice wounded, and were here to recruit your health; that you
were of first force with the rifle and revolver, but knew nothing of
the small sword.

"The baron's shoulders were lifted and he spread out huge hands of
disgust. 'But these weapons are impossible. Only a semi-civilized
people could desire to employ the weapons of savages.'

"'Pardon me,' I said; 'I presume that the rifle and revolver are both
used in your service; and, also, may I ask you to remember that I,
too, am an American?'

"'That does not alter my opinion. If monsieur--'

"'Oh, stop, stop!' cried the count. 'M. Greville is my guest. He will
allow me to reply. Do you mean to create four duels in a day? My dear
cousin will recall his words.'

"'My dear cousin' did not like it, but said stiffly, 'So far as M.
Greville is concerned, I withdraw them.'

"I bowed and said: 'Permit me, count. These gentlemen, as it seems to
me, have put you and themselves in the position of challengers, which
everywhere gives to the challenged party the right to choose his
weapon. As M. Merton's friends will abide by his decision, your own
seconds must, I fancy, accept what is or would be usual with us. They
have no choice except to decline and allow their refusal to be made
public, as it will be, or to choose one of the three weapons so
generously offered.'

"The baron glared at me, the colonel was silent, and the count said:
'M. Grevil