"'We have arrived,' I said.
"Mortimer gazed at the grave with a grim smile.
"'That is a dreary and desolate object,' he said.
"'It will soon be inhabited,' I returned; 'and the issue of this combat
is indifferent to me, since in either event I shall be dead.'
"'Ah!' he exclaimed, 'explain that.'
"'Then you do not understand! You think this duel will end every thing?
You deceive yourself! A family history like mine does not terminate
with a duel. Have you read those tragedies where everybody is
killed?--where not a single one of the _dramatis personae_ escapes?
Well, this is going to be a drama of that exact description. Do you
wish to save that woman, yonder? To do so, you must kill _me_. I tell
you that to warn you to do your best, sir!'
"Mortimer glared at me. It is hard to imagine a glance more sinister.
"'So you have arranged the whole affair?' he said; 'there is to be a
wholesale killing.'
"'Yes.'
"'You are going to kill--_her_?'
"'Yes.'
"'Yourself, too?'
"'Yes.'
"Mortimer's smile became more sinister, as he raised his foil.
"'Take your position, sir,' he said; 'I am going to save you the latter
trouble.'
"I grasped my weapon, and placed myself on guard.
"In an instant he had thrown himself upon me with a fury which
indicated the profound passion under his assumed coolness.
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