"What the deuce is she smiling about?" I wondered. "Does the woman
take me for a modern D'Artagnan?"
"Innkeeper," said the lieutenant, "if this man is not here when I
return, I'll take satisfaction out of your hide."
The innkeeper shrugged. "I have never heard of an Englishman running
away."
"And I have seen many a German do that," I put in. "How am I to know
that your going to the barracks is not a ruse?"
He gasped. The words would not come which would do justice to his
feelings. He drew off one of his gloves and threw it into my face. It
stung me. I should have knocked him down, but for the innkeeper
stepping between.
"No, Herr," he said; "do not disable him."
"You had best go to the barracks at once," said I to the lieutenant.
My clothes were too small for me now, and I did not shiver in my shoes.
My "Yankee" blood was up. I would have fought him with battle axes.
"Herr," said the innkeeper, when the two had made off for the barracks,
"you are a man of courage."
"Thanks," said I.
"Do you know anything about rapiers?" he asked.
"I know the handle from the blade; that's all. But that does not make
any difference. I'd fight him with any weapon. He struck me; and
then--then, he kissed Gretchen."
"I have wiped it off, Herr," said Gretchen, dryly. Then she passed
from the room.
I went upstairs too. I looked out of my window. There was moonlight;
possibly the last time I should ever see moonlight in the land of the
living. Nothing but a mishap on my opponent's part, and that early in
the combat, would save my epidermis. The absurd side of the affair
struck me, and I laughed, mirthlessly, but none the less I laughed. If
it had been pistols the chances would have been equal. A German does
not like pistols as a dueling apparatus. They often miss fire. A
sword is a surer weapon. And then, the French use them--the
pistols--in their fiascoes. Rapiers? I was as familiar with the
rapier as I was with the Zulu assegai. I unstrapped my traveling case
and took out Phyllis's photograph. I put it back. If I was to have a
last look at any woman it should be at Gretchen. Then I got out my
cane and practiced thrusting and parrying. My wrist was strong.