On the other hand, the spirit of adventure natural to his years strongly prompted him to remain where he was and watch.

He felt certain that something was going to happen.
Besides, those soldiers had exactly the air of looking for somebody to shoot! Whilst he was hesitating, something did happen.

There was a shrill whistle, a puff of white smoke in the distance, and another train approached from the opposite direction.
It drew up within a few feet of the one which was already waiting.
Almost immediately half a dozen men, who were already standing upon the platform of the car, descended.

One of these approached rapidly, and saluted the central figure of those who had been talking together in the track.

After a few moments' conversation these two, followed by one other man only who was carrying a writing portfolio, ascended the platform of the train which had arrived first and disappeared inside.
The young man who was watching these proceedings yawned.
"No duel, then!" he muttered to himself.