Florimond gave his brother a long searching look, then with a sigh he picked up his sword where it lay ready to his hand and thoughtfully unsheathed it.
Holding the hilt in one hand and the blade in the other he stood, bending the weapon like a whip, whilst again he searchingly regarded his brother.
"Hear me a moment," said he.

"If you will force this unnatural quarrel upon me, at least let the thing be decently done.

Not here, not in these cramped quarters, but out in the open let our meeting take place.

If the captain, there, will act for you, I'll find a friend to do me the like service." "We settle this matter here and now," Marius answered him, in a tone of calm finality.
"But if I were to kill you--" Florimond began.
"Reassure yourself," said Marius with an ugly smile.
"Very well, then; either alternative will suit the case I wish to put.
If you were to kill me--it may be ranked as murder.

The irregularity of it could not be overlooked." "The captain, here, will act for both of us." "I am entirely at your service, gentlemen," replied Fortunio pleasantly, bowing to each in turn.
Florimond considered him.