There was no need for the Duke and Lord Locke to answer him.
They both, as Lord Wilterham well knew, had taken part in several duels at one time or another and the Duke had never been the loser.
The two seconds went to their appointed places at each end of the school.
Then, as Lord Wilterham now started counting, the Duke and Lord Locke who had been standing back-to-back started to walk away from each other.
It seemed as if the referee was taking a long time.
“ – Seven – eight – nine – ten – Fire!”
The two men turned, two shots rang out echoing and seeming to re-echo around the high-roofed building.
Then slowly, so slowly that it was hard to believe that it was happening, Lord Locke fell to the ground.
The Duke stood still staring at his opponent incredulously, then suddenly John F
