It is a challenge." "And what right have you to accept a challenge which is meant for some one else ?" "Because my partner, my foster-father, is not present, and everything, be it ill or good fortune, disaster or annoyance, which touches him, touches me equally.

If he were present he would answer for himself.

Now, however, he is away, and he has his own reasons, no doubt, for not telling me whither he has gone or how long he will be absent; and therefore, gentlemen, you must either take away this challenge or let me give you satisfaction." Conrad drew Livius aside to consult him as to whether this was regular according to duelling rules.

Livius recalled similar cases, but only as between gentlemen.
"Hark ye, Alexander Barna," said Conrad, "what you propose is only usual among gentlemen." "Well, gentlemen, I am not the challenger; the challenge comes from you." This was unanswerable.
Conrad folded his terrific arms over his immense chest, and roared this question almost down the young man's throat-- "Can you fight ?" Alexander could scarce refrain from smiling.

"I can fight with either swords or pistols, gentlemen," said he; "'tis all one to me.