nt Fortesque."

"Well, Grant," I said sternly, "I've got just one answer to make you. You
can call your guard, or you can fight it out with me here. Whichever you
choose will depend upon whether you are a man, or a cur." I took a step
nearer, watching him as best I could in the dark. "You are an unmitigated
liar, sir," and with sudden sweep of the arm I struck him with open hand.
"Probably you will realize what that means."

For an instant he remained so still I doubted him, even held him cheap;
then the breath surged through his clinched teeth in a mad oath. He
surged toward me, but my sword was out, the steel blocking his advance.

"You--you actually mean fight?"

"Why not? Isn't that cause enough? If not I will furnish more."

"I do not fight spies--"

"Stop! That silly charge is merely an excuse. You do not believe it
yourself. You wanted a quarrel yonder in the ball-room. The expression of
your eyes was an insult. Don't evade now. I am here, wearing the uniform
of the British army. I have every right of a gentleman, and you will
cross swords, or I'll brand you coward wherever there is an English
garrison."

The fellow was certainly not afraid, yet he hesitated, not quite clear in
his own mind what he had better do. I might be a spy, and I might not; he
possessed no doubt a moment before, yet the very boldness of my words had
already half convinced him there might be some mistake. Should he call to
the men on the steps yonder, denounce me, and turn me over to the guard?
That was the easiest way for him, the greater disgrace to me. Yet if, by
any chance, I proved later innocent of the charge, then he would become
the laughingstock of the army. I heard his teeth grate savagely as he
realized his dilemma, and laughed outright.

"You do not seem altogether pleased, my friend; what are you, a toy
soldier?"

"Hell's acre! I'll show you what I am."

I saw the sudden flash of his drawn blade, and flung up my own in guard.

"Wait; not here, Captain," I insisted quickly. "We're far too near your
watchful friends yonder; besides the light is poor. Let's try our
fortunes beyond the pavilion, where it can be simply man to man."

He turned without a word, and I followed, eager enough to have done with
the business. The stars gleamed on the naked weapons held in our hands,
but we exchanged no words until we had rounded the corner, and come forth
into the open space beyond.

CHAPTER VII

THE ONE HOPE

As