Somehow, I could not keep my eyes off the youngster, who was going to do battle with the veteran; and I could not help wondering where in the world he had come from, and why in the world he had chosen this place to settle his dispute in.

There were plenty of convenient places in the village, in and around the barracks.

He took his position, back to me, so I could not tell what he was like.

The moon shone squarely in the lieutenant's face, upon which was an expression of contempt mingled with confidence.

My heart thumped, for I had never seen a duel before.
"I do not know where you came from," I heard the lieutenant say; "but you managed nicely to pick a quarrel.