t
are taken in it. The day is beginning; it is your last morning. You have
just swum the Regent's Canal; it is your last bathe in this world. Your
old accomplice, Dr. Noel, so far from betraying me, has delivered you
into my hands for judgment. And the grave you had dug for me this
afternoon shall serve, in God's almighty providence, to hide your own
just doom from the curiosity of mankind. Kneel and pray, sir, if you
have a mind that way; for your time is short, and God is weary of your
iniquities."

The President made no answer either by word or sign; but continued to
hang his head and gaze sullenly on the floor, as though he were
conscious of the Prince's prolonged and unsparing regard.

"Gentlemen," continued Florizel, resuming the ordinary tone of his
conversation, "this is a fellow who has long eluded me, but whom, thanks
to Dr. Noel, I now have tightly by the heels. To tell the story of his
misdeeds would occupy more time than we can now afford; but if the canal
had contained nothing but the blood of his victims, I believe the wretch
would have been no drier than you see him. Even in an affair of this
sort I desire to preserve the forms of honour. But I make you the
judges, gentlemen--this is more an execution than a duel; and to give
the rogue his choice of weapons would be to push too far a point of
etiquette. I cannot afford to lose my life in such a business," he
continued, unlocking the case of swords; "and as a pistol-bullet travels
so often on the wings of chance, and skill and courage may fall by the
most trembling marksman, I have decided, and I feel sure you will
approve my determination, to put this question to the touch of swords."

When Brackenbury and Major O'Rooke, to whom these remarks were
particularly addressed, had each intimated his approval, "Quick, sir,"
added Prince Florizel to the President, "choose a blade and do not keep
me waiting; I have an impatience to be done with you for ever."

For the first time since he was captured and disarmed the President
raised his head, and it was plain that he began instantly to pluck up
courage.

"Is it to be stand up?" he asked eagerly, "and between you and me?"

"I mean so far to honour you," replied the Prince.

"Oh, come!" cried the President. "With a fair field, who knows how
things may happen? I must add that I consider it handsome behaviour on
your Highness's part; and if the worst comes to the worst I shall die by
one of the most gallant