Even if he were victorious in the duel, and both did not die, yet the noise of the firearms would greatly decrease his chances of escape.

Moreover, he was a noted swordsman, and conceived that he was Mr.Rassendyll's superior in that exercise.

The steel offered him at once a better prospect for victory and more hope of a safe fight.

So he did not pull his trigger, but, maintaining his aim the while, said: "I'm not a street bully, and I don't excel in a rough-and-tumble.

Will you fight now like a gentleman?
There's a pair of blades in the case yonder." Mr.Rassendyll, in his turn, was keenly alive to the peril that still hung over the queen.