"Under Irish rules," gulped Dorset, "I must ask both of you if there is any chance of reconciliation or an apology. Colonel Wakefield?"

"No!"

"Dr. Featherston?"

"Absolutely not!"

"On my count, begin pacing. Are you both ready and willing to proceed?"

"Just get on with it, John!" yelled Isaac.

"One!"

Both men immediately took a slow step forward holding their loaded pistols vertically.

"Two - Three - Four - Five!"

Looking up, ...