six
o'clock in the morning
With the exception of a few omissions , I was obliged to relate everything that happened . I must tell you exactly what I said and what I left unsaid , so that if we are summoned before the court our testimony shall not conflict . It was unnecessary to relate what passed between us before the duel , so I merely said we had drawn lots as to who should be the avenger , and who the second ; nor did I deem it proper to explain the serious causes of the duel , as it would have resulted in a long story , and the bringing in of women 's names at every turn , an unpardonable thing in a man . I simply said the cause was serious , and of a nature to fully justify a deadly meeting ; that we , Monsieur de Meilhan and myself , left Guéret at six o'clock in the morning ; when three miles from the town , we left the high-road of Limoges and entered that part of the woods called the Little Cascade , where we dismounted and awaited the arrival of M. de Villiers , who , in a few minutes , rode up to us , accompanied by two army-officers as seconds . We exchanged bows at a distance of ten feet , but nothing was said until the elder of the officers advanced towards me , shook my hand , and drawing me aside , began : `` We military men dare not refuse to act on this occasion as seconds when summoned by a brave man , but we always come with the hope of effecting a reconciliation . These young men are hot-headed . There is some pretty woman at the root of the difficulty , and they are acting the rôles of foolish rivals .