We
have never failed in hospitality to any invited guest."
"Your words are offensive, sir."
"I mean them to be so."
"Very well; then I have but one answer. I challenge you. Choose your
weapons, hour and place of meeting."
"Revolvers, if you please. Meet me back of the grove yonder, at the
right of the house, at daybreak."
"I'll not fail you. There is no need of seconds in this affair, I
take it, and we are to keep our purpose secret. Dr. Ackley would
interfere and the family be distressed were our intentions known."
"No one need know till our shots are heard and then it will be too
late to interfere. I insist that we fight to the death."
"Certainly, if that's your wish. Good-evening, sir."
"Good-evening," and Whately went to his room to remove the dust of
his ride and prepare for the late supper which his aunt had ordered
for him.
This lady, hearing his step in the hall, hastened downstairs and
called for Zany. "Yassum," came in quick response. The young woman
emerged from the dining-room looking as stolid as a wooden image.
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