CHAPTER XX.
The Duke's Epitaph.
For a moment I stood in amazement, gazing at my opponent where he lay prostrate on the sands.

Then, guided by the smoke which issued from the bushes, I darted across to the low stone wall and vaulted on to the top of it.

I dived into the bushes, parting them with head and hand: I was conscious of a man's form rushing by me, but I could pay no heed to him, for right in front of me, in the act of re-loading his pistol, I saw the burly inn-keeper Jacques Bontet.

When his eyes fell on me, as I leaped out almost at his very feet, he swore an oath and turned to run.

I raised my hand and fired.