midnight
Ronald stepped forward and looked the duke calmly in the face . `` So this is the young cockerel , '' the duke said contemptuously . `` A worthy son of a worthy father , I doubt not . '' `` At any rate , my lord duke , '' Ronald said quietly , `` I do not rid myself of my foes by getting those I am afraid to meet as man to man thrown into prison , nor by setting midnight assassins upon them . Nor do I rely upon my skill as a swordsman to be a bully and a coward . '' The duke started as if struck . `` I had made up my mind to kill you , young sir , '' he said , `` sooner or later ; but you have brought it on yourself now .