"Have you summoned your seconds, Lucas?"
Lucas raised his eyebrows.
"Is that necessary? I thought we might settle our affairs without delay.
I confess myself impatient."
"Your sentiments for once are mine."
"It is understood you bring your spaniel with you. He will watch that I
do not spring on you before you are ready," Lucas said, with a fine
sneer.
"And who is to watch me?"
"Oh, monsieur's chivalry is notorious. Precautions are unnecessary. It
is your privilege, monsieur, to appoint the happy spot."
"The spot is near at hand. Where you slew Pontou is the fitting place
for you to die."
"It is fitting for you to die in your own house," Lucas amended.
Without further parley we turned into the Rue des Innocents, on our way
to that of the Coupejarrets.
Now, I had been on the watch from the first instant for foul play. I had
suspected something wrong with the sword, but my lord, who knew, had
accepted it. Then, when Lucas proposed no seconds, I had felt sure of a
trap. But his inviting my presence at the place of our choice smelt like
honesty.