Next came the Westphalians, in green caps, and the Saxons
with black ones, till nearly a hundred students filled half the
available space in the hall. Then the seconds in charge met together in
the centre and looked over their lists of duels. There was a moment of
total silence in the chamber, until the result was known, for no one
could tell exactly which duel would be fought first. Then the four
separated again and returned quickly to their comrades.
'We are to let fly first,' said the Swabian second to his chief. 'Now,
Hollenstein, old man, jump into your drumming skin!'
'You will be next,' said Greif turning to Rex and speaking in an
undertone. 'You had better dress while Hollenstein is out with the
Saxon. The affair will not last long, I fancy.'
Hollenstein, a thickset fellow with a baby's complexion, but whose
sharp eye showed his temper, went quietly about the operation of
dressing, assisted by a couple of foxes, the second in charge and the
Korps servant, who was as expert in preparations for duels as an
English valet in dressing his master for following the hounds. In ten
minutes everything was ready, the seconds on each side drew on their
gloves, settled the long visors of their caps well over their eyes,
took their blunt rapiers in hand and stepped forward. The witnesses of
each party, also gloved, stood on the left of the combatants, it being
their duty to watch the blades, and to see whether either fencer backed
down the ground.
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