midnight
`` Major Swan is quite satisfied that Samoval came to Monsanto for the purpose of fighting a duel that had been prearranged ; and I admit that the two swords found , which have been proven the property of Count Samoval , and which , therefore , he must have brought with him , are a prima-facie proof of such a contention . But if we assume , gentlemen , that I had accepted a challenge from the Count , let me ask you , can you think of any place less likely to have been appointed or agreed to by me for the encounter than the garden of the adjutant-general 's quarters ? Secrecy is urged as the reason for the irregularity of the meeting . What secrecy was ensured in such a place , where interruption and discovery might come at any moment , although the duel was held at midnight ? And what secrecy did I observe in my movements , considering that I drove openly to Monsanto in a curricle , which I left standing at the gates in full view of the guard , to await my return ? Should I have acted thus if I had been upon such an errand as is alleged ? Common sense , I think , should straightway acquit me on the grounds of the locality alone , and I can not think that it should even be necessary for me , so as to complete my answer to an accusation entirely without support in fact or in logic , to account for my presence at Monsanto and my movements during the half-hour in question . ''