He handed them to M.
de Barjols' second to examine.

The latter tried the triggers and played with the lock, examining to see if they were double-barrelled.

They were single-barrelled.

M.de Barjols cast a glance at them but did not even touch them.
"Our opponent does not know these weapons ?" queried M.Valensolle.
"He has not even seen them," replied Sir John, "I give you my word of honor." "Oh!" exclaimed M.de Valensolle, "a simple denial suffices." The conditions of the duel were gone over a second time to avoid possible misunderstanding.

Then, these conditions determined, the pistols were loaded.