He had a vivid recollection of the two young noblemen who had met him by accident at Paris, and treated him as a friend.
"I am much honoured by their lordships' offer," said he, turning to the heyduke, "and will accept it in any case." The messenger respectfully bowed and withdrew.
In half an hour's time Rudolf and Michael appeared, and the former said that a written authorization on Alexander's part was necessary, lest Conrad and Livius should give him seconds that he did not like.
"Then there are others, also, who would offer their assistance ?" "Oh, no end to them! There is quite a competition among these young lions as to which of them shall be present at the tragi-comedy, as they call it." "It will not be a tragi-comedy; I can tell them that." "That is principally what induced us to offer you our services.

We do not see any particular glory in hounding men on against each other, and making them fight duels which our age, unfortunately, considers such an excellent pastime.

On the other hand, we regard it as our duty as gentlemen to offer you our assistance, and thereby put a stop to what might become a senseless and insulting jest, which if our feather-brained friends had their way might even have a very serious termination." Alexander thanked them for their kindness, and early next morning the two young men appeared again in a hired coach.

Alexander was ready waiting for them.

He had only to seal a few letters which he had written overnight, one to his master, reporting in what state he had left the business, and the other to Fanny, begging her to do him the favour to accept as his heir the little property which his thrift had accumulated.
These letters, enclosed in a third envelope, he gave to the caretaker of the house, with the request that if he, Alexander, did not return by twelve o'clock, the envelope was to be opened and the documents inside forwarded to their respective addresses.