The duke laid the other down on the sands and motioned me to follow his example; and he took his handkerchief out of his pocket and wound it round his right hand, confining the fingers closely.
"Tie the knot, if you can," said he, holding out his hand thus bound.
"So far I am willing to trust you," said I; but he bowed ironically as he answered: "It will be awkward enough anyhow for the one of us that chances to kill the other, seeing that we have no seconds or witnesses; but it would look too black against me, if my right hand were free while yours is in a sling.

So pray, Mr.Aycon, do not insist on trusting me too much, but tie the knot if your wounded arm will let you." Engrossed with my thoughts and my schemes, I had not dwelt on the danger to which he called my attention, and I admit that I hesitated.
"I have no wish to be called a murderer," said I."Shall we not wait again for M.de Vieuville and his friend ?" "Curse them!" said he, fury in his eye again.

"By Heavens, if I live, I'll have a word with them for playing me such a trick! The light is all but gone now.

Come, take your place.

There is little choice." "You mean to fight, then ?" "Not if you will leave me in peace: but if not--" "Let us go back to the inn and fight to-morrow: and meanwhile things shall stand as they are," said I, repeating my offer, in the hope that he would now be more reasonable.
He looked at me sullenly; then his rage came again upon him, and he cried: "Take your place: stand where you like, and, in God's name, be quick!" And he paused, and then added: "I cannot live another night--" And he broke off again, and finished by crying: "Quick! Are you ready ?" Seeing there was no help for it, I took up a position.