Frenchmen never grow cool upon their quarrels: and as it was a fine, clear, starlight night, we went forthwith to the Bois de Boulogne.

We fixed our ground on a spot tolerably retired, and, I should think, pretty often frequented for the same purpose.

I was exceedingly confident, for I knew myself to have few equals in the art of fencing; and I had all the advantage of coolness, which my hero was a great deal too much in earnest to possess.

We joined swords, and in a very few moments I discovered that my opponent's life was at my disposal.
"C'est bien," thought I; "for once I'll behave handsomely." The Frenchman made a desperate lunge.

I struck his sword from his hand, caught it instantly, and, presenting it to him again, said, "I think myself peculiarly fortunate that I may now apologize for the affront I have put upon you.