" roared the dude, acting his part to
perfection.

"Never!" shouted Montgomery.

"If you will not, I demand satisfaction. I--I will fight you in a duel."

"A duel!"

"Yes, a duel. Pistols, at ten paces," went on Felix Gussing.

"Well! well!" came from the major in amazement.

"Can I do less?" demanded the would-be son-in-law. "My honor is at
stake."

"Then stand by your honor by all means," cried the military man, who, at
times, was as hot-blooded as anybody.

During the talk the major's daughter had come upon the scene.

"Oh, Felix, what does this mean?" she demanded.

"I am going to fight this--this fellow a duel, pistols at ten paces,"
answered Felix, firmly.

"Felix!" she gasped. "You will not, you cannot fight. For my sake, do
not."

"Clara," answered the dude, smiling affectionately upon her. "For your
sake I would forego any personal gratification, but I must not suffer a
stain upon the honor."

"Well said!" exclaimed the major. "Felix is behaving well. I couldn't
have done better myself. I admire his courage and I give him free
permission to wed you after the--the--"

"But father, if he should be killed?" faltered the fair Clara.

"Never fear, Clara; all will go well," interposed Felix.

More words followed, but the dude pretended to be stubborn and so did
Ulmer Montgomery. Both went off to arrange about the duel, and the major
insisted upon it that he must be on hand to see the affair come off.

Matters were hurried along with all speed, and it was arranged that the
duel should take place on the following morning at ten o'clock, in a
country spot just outside of the city. Joe was invited to go along, and
carried the pistols, and two others were let into the secret, including
a doctor, who went fully prepared to attend to any wounds that might be
inflicted.

It did not take long to load the pistols, with powder only. Great care
was taken so that Major Sampson should not suspect the truth.

"Major," said Felix, in a trembling voice. "If I--if anything serious
happens to me tell Clara that--that I died like a man."

"Noble boy! I will! I will!" answered the military man.

"When I give the word, gentlemen, you will both fire!" said one of the
seconds.

"Very well," answered both of the duelists.

"Ready? One--two--three--fire!"

Both pistols were simultaneously discharged. When the smoke cleared away
it was ascertained that both parties were unharmed.

"Gentlemen, are you satisfied?