If there were no way even now of avoiding this duel, at least it must remain secret.

Therefore it could not take place here in the enclosed garden of his own quarters, as he had so rashly consented.
It should be fought upon neutral ground, where the presence of the body of the slain would not call for explanations by the survivor.
From distant Lisbon on the still air came softly the chimes of midnight, and immediately there was a sharp rap upon the little door set in one of the massive gates that closed the archway.
Sir Terence went to open the wicket, and Samoval stepped quickly over the sill.

He was wrapped in a dark cloak, a broad-brimmed hat obscured his face.

Sir Terence closed the door again.

The two men bowed to each other in silence, and as Samoval's cloak fell open he produced a pair of duelling-swords swathed together in a skin of leather.
"You are very punctual, sir," said O'Moy.
"I hope I shall never be so discourteous as to keep an opponent waiting.
It is a thing of which I have never yet been guilty," replied Samoval, with deadly smoothness in that reminder of his victorious past.