Before the first shot it is most unusual for any one to walk right up to his own barrier, for, in case of ill luck, he gives his adversary a great advantage.

This boldness, however, had the effect of making Abellino stop short six paces from his own barrier, and move away his thumb from the trigger of his pistol, where he had hitherto held it.
What happened the next moment nobody was able to exactly explain.
A report rang out, and half a minute afterwards another.

The seconds hastened to the spot, and found Alexander standing erect in his place; but Abellino had turned right round, and his hand was over his left ear.
The surgeons came running up with the others.
"Are you wounded ?" they asked Abellino.
"No, no!" said he, keeping one hand continually over his ear.

"Deuce take that bullet, it flew so damned close to my ear that it has almost made me deaf.

I can't hear a word of what I am saying.