All were younger than
the man described, between whom and the eldest
of the others, who stood apart, there was apparently
no kindly feeling. They avoided looking at each
other.
'Gentlemen,' said the man holding the candle and
keys,' I believe everything is right. Are you ready,
Mr. Rosser?'
The man standing apart from the group bowed
and smiled.
'And you, Mr. Grossmith?'
The heavy man bowed and scowled.
'You will be pleased to remove your outer
clothing.'
Their hats, coats, waistcoats and neckwear were
soon removed and thrown outside the door, in the
passage. The man with the candle now nodded, and
the fourth man--he who had urged Grossmith to
leave the wagon--produced from the pocket of
his overcoat two long, murderous-looking bowie-
knives, which he drew now from their leather
scabbards.
'They are exactly alike,' he said, presenting one
to each of the two principals--for by this time
the dullest observer would have understood the
nature of this meeting. It was to be a duel to the
death.
Each combatant took a knife, examined it criti-
cally near the candle and tested the strength of
blade and handle across his lifted knee. Their per-
sons were then searched in turn, each by the second
of the other.
'If it is agreeable to you, Mr. Grossmith,' said the
man holding the light,' you will place yourself in
that corner.'
He indicated the angle of the room farthest from
the door, whither Grossmith retired, his second part-
ing from him with a grasp of the hand which had
nothing of cordiality in it.
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