260 COACHES. 



" Really, it is a very unusual way of 

 settling matters." 



" I am aware of it, Sir, but I have no 

 choice. This gentleman will act as my 

 friend, and the waiter, when he returns, 

 must do the same for you, as the shortness 

 of the time will admit of no other arrange- 

 ment." 



At this he began to demur, when I said 

 I could allow of no hesitation. 



On the waiter's return he rose from his 

 seat, and on my requesting him to stop and 

 examine the pistols, observed that he would 

 have no more to do with me, and made 

 his exit into the court. I at the same time 

 made him a polite but significant bow, 

 and then followed, congratulating myself 

 and my friend on the easy manner I had 

 extricated myself from so disagreeable a 

 position. 



On the following morning the good old 

 squire was my box companion, and the 

 account of my preceding evening's amuse- 



