ld fight with knives fastened to short sticks, with
guards and handles. And as this took up time, it was agreed to put off
the duel to sunrise on the second day. So all the next they were shaping
and sharpening the knives with the best tools they had; and some
armourers, who happened to belong to their yard, helped them.

Warning was given in the common room that night that there should be as
little noise and talking as possible on the part of the prisoners, lest
the soldiers on guard should hear it, and be led to interfere.

So, as soon as it was light, the two men, Malin and Poivre, were
standing, like two fools, in due position, and in that part of the yard
which was furthest from the gates, ready, as soon as the signal was
given, to try and cut each other to pieces.

Yet, were they greater fools than they who fight with better weapons? We
may admire their pluck, but we cannot admire their sense. A duel proves
nothing but that each is a brave man, except it be the duel between
French political adversaries in these days, when one pricks the other,
and both are satisfied!

But they have saluted and begun. At first they eyed each other steadily,
and made feints, and changed their ground. And this went on so long that
at last some irreverent bystander, longing to see business done, cried
out, "Allons, mes amis, avancez." And at that moment a skilful thrust
from Malin wounded Poivre in the face, and the first blood was drawn. But
Malin received it back with interest, for Poivre, who was a tall and very
muscular man, beat down the other's guard, and laid open his bare head.
And then both slashed and gashed away without any attempt at guarding,
till the disgusting spectacle was ended by Malin dropping down, like a
fat pig cut up before he was killed.

The guards came up, and the doctor was sent for. They were both removed
to the prison hospital. But there was nothing to be done for Malin. His
gross habit of body, from years of dissipation, made his many wounds
fatal. He died the next day. The good chaplain visited him--but he was
insensible.

Poivre remained some time in hospital, and listened respectfully to the
bishop; but when he came out he was received as a hero, and that soon
drowned reflection. So hard is it to turn to God one who has for years
forsaken Him. It is not impossible, and there is good reason for saying
so; but it is not probable, for experience teaches us that such is the
case.

*