“A duel is individual combat,” he said levelly. “The seconds are to serve as witnesses only, and are not to take an active part in the battle,”

“Hey, Moabe!” Tom protested. “Remember, we’re the ones who are paying you.”

“That’s right,” Moabe retorted, “and you’re paying me to umpire this duel, which means I guarantee the rules are strictly followed by both sides.”

“Shut up, Tom!” Casey interrupted. “Don’t worry, Moabe. This is Harry’s fight. He’d probably shoot us himself if we interfered.”

His smile was not convincing.

“Very well, gentlemen,” Hosato replied, as if there had been no interruption. “As representative of the challenged party, I believe I have choice of weapons. I choose epees.”

“What?” bellowed Harry.

“Epees,” said Moabe. “Swords. Not only is it an acceptable dueling weapon, it is one of the original dueling weapons.”

“Go ahead, Harry,” called Casey. “It’s like using a long knife.”

“But I don’t have a sword,” protested Harry.

Hosato was already at Suzi’s side, opening one of her many storage compartments.

“I happen to have a matched set of dueling epees.

Mr. Moabe, if you would be so good as to inspect them for acceptability?”

He passed the weapons to Moabe, who examined them closely. The Negro’s eyebrows shot up with surprised appreciation before he caught himself and restored his normal unmoved expression.

“Yes. These weapons are acceptable,” he ruled. “Mr. Scale, as your opponent has provided the weapons, you have first choice.”

He offered both weapons to Harry, who scowled suspiciously, then made a large show of examining them closely before choosing.

“My client will accept first blood in settling this matter,” Hosato announced.

“What’s that supposed to mean?” Tom demanded.

“Duels may be settled by first, second, or third blood,” Moabe informed him. “First blood means just that—the duel is ended when blood is drawn, however trivial. Second blood means the duel will be fought to the first serious injury. Third blood is a duel to the death, and the fight will continue until one of the combatants is dead, even if it means the seconds have to hold a wounded duelist up until the death blow is struck.”