Similar assurances had some effect in raising the spirits of the English officers; still they refused to believe that a lad like a recently joined cornet could have any real chance with the noted duellist, and their hopes faded away altogether when Rupert rode up.  He was, of course, a stranger to most of those present, and his smooth boyish face and slight figure struck them with pity and dismay.

Rupert, however, although a little pale, seemed more cheerful than anyone on the ground, and smiled and talked to Lord Fairholm and Dillon as if awaiting the commencement of an ordinary military parade.

“That is a gallant young fellow,” was the universal exclamation of most of those present, whatever their nationality.  “He faces death as calmly as if he were ignorant of his danger.”

Five minutes later Captain Muller rode up, with his second; and the preparations for the conflict at once began.

All except the combatants and their seconds retired to the slopes.  Lord Fairholm and Captain Swartzberg stood in the middle of the bottom.  Rupert stood back at a short distance, talking quietly with Dillon and his colonel; while Captain Muller walked about near the foot of the slope, loudly saluting those present with whom he was acquainted.

There was but little loss of time in choosing the ground, for the bottom of the valley was flat and smooth, and the sun was concealed beneath a grey bank of clouds, which covered the greater part of the sky, so that there was no advantage of light.

When all was arranged the length of the swords was measured.  Both had come provided with a pair of duelling rapiers, and as all four weapons were of excellent temper and of exactly even length, no difficulty was met with here.  Then a deep hush fell upon the gathering as the seconds returned to their principals.

It had been arranged by the seconds that they should not fight in uniform, as the heavy boots impeded their action.  Both were accordingly attired in evening dress.  Rupert wore dark puce satin breeches, white stockings, and very light buckled shoes.  His opponent was in bright orange-coloured breeches, with stockings to match.  Coats and waistcoats were soon removed, and the shirt sleeves rolled up above the elbow.

As they took stand face to face, something like a groan went through the spectators.  Rupert stood about five feet nine, slight, active, with smooth face, and head covered with short curls.  The German stood six feet high, with massive shoulders, and arms covered with muscle.  His huge moustache was twisted upwards towards his ears; his hair was cropped short, and stood erect all over his head.  It was only among a few of the shrewder onlookers that the full value of the tough, whipcordy look of Rupert’s frame, and the extreme activity promised by his easy pose, were appreciated.  The general opinion went back to the former verdict, that the disparity was so great that, even putting aside the German’s well-known skill, the duel was little short of murder.