My adversary would not agree to this. It
was decided that we should cast lots. The first number fell to him, the
constant favorite of fortune. He took aim, and his bullet went through
my cap. It was now my turn. His life at last was in my hands; I looked
at him eagerly, endeavoring to detect if only the faintest shadow of
uneasiness. But he stood in front of my pistol, picking out the ripest
cherries from his cap and spitting out the stones, which flew almost as
far as my feet. His indifference annoyed me beyond measure. 'What is the
use,' thought I, 'of depriving him of life, when he attaches no value
whatever to it?' A malicious thought flashed through my mind. I lowered
my pistol.
"'You don't seem to be ready for death just at present,' I said to him:
'you wish to have your breakfast; I do not wish to hinder you.'
"'You are not hindering me in the least,' replied he. 'Have the goodness
to fire, or just as you please--the shot remains yours; I shall always
be ready at your service.'
"I turned to the seconds, informing them that I had no intention of
firing that day, and with that the duel came to an end.
"I resigned my commission and retired to this little place.
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