230 DUEL 



expect satisfaction for it, adding, he was ready for any- 

 thing. 



" As many as you please, gentlemen," said he — with a 

 most inviting smile. A friend of mine, one of the 

 stewards, always what is now termed a plucky fellow, now 

 stepped up to him, — 



" I understand you, Captain Macnamara, I accept the 

 challenge," he whispered, putting his mouth to his ear, 

 and added, " Over a pocket handkerchief, and within an 

 hour." 



Thouo-h I thouo-ht at the time that there was more 

 courage than discretion in this, it had the desired effect, 

 and Captain Macnamara 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 wishing me good-bye as they 

 made their exit, with most significant looks. In the 

 meantime, 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 shall have the satisfaction you 

 require ; but it must be now, and in this room." 



Silencing the remonstrance of my only remaining com- 

 panion by a slight pressure of his toe, and an expression 

 of countenance very different from his, I got up and paced 

 the floor of the room. 



" This is about the distance these things are generally 

 done at," said I ; " and, waiter," I cried, addressing the 



