258 DUEL. 



" I understand you, Captain Macnamara, 

 I accept the challenge," he whispered, 

 putting his mouth to his ear, and added 

 <c Over a pocket handkerchief, and within 

 an hour." 



Though I thought at the time that there 

 was more courage than discretion in this, it 

 had the desired effect, and Captain Mac- 

 namara and his friend retired not quite so 

 elated as when they entered. 



In the present instance the company had 

 dropped off one by one, some of them wish- 

 ing me good-bye as they made their exit, 

 with most significant looks. In the mean- 

 time, the gentleman sat with his feet upon 

 the fender, evidently waiting to push the 

 matter to extremity. When all were gone 

 but one I said to him 



" I think you expressed yourself as not 

 satisfied with the explanation I attempted 

 just now? " 



" By no means/' he replied. 



" Then," I replied, " you shaU have the 



