“Gentlemen,” said Doctor T——, in a grave tone, “our friend Drake, a gentleman whose merit and deportment cannot fail to be appreciated by every one, has sent us to arrange a somewhat delicate affair with you; that is to say, Captain Fabian Mac Elwin, to whom we first addressed ourselves, referred us to you as his representative. I hope that we shall be able to come to an understanding between ourselves worthy the position of gentlemen touching the delicate object of our mission.” We made no reply, but allowed the gentleman to become embarrassed with his delicacy. “Gentlemen,” continued he, “there is not the remotest doubt but that Captain Mac Elwin is in the wrong. That gentleman has unreasonably, and without the slightest pretext, questioned the honour of Harry Drake’s proceedings in a matter of play, and without any provocation offered him the greatest insult a gentleman could receive.” These honeyed words made the Captain impatient, he bit his moustache, and could refrain speaking no longer. “Come to the point,” said he sharply to Doctor T——, whose speech he had interrupted, “we don’t want so many words; the affair is simple enough; Captain Mac Elwin raised his hand against Mr. Drake, your friend accepted the blow, he assumes the part of the offended, and demands satisfaction. He has the choice of arms. What next?” “Does Captain Mac Elwin accept the challenge?” asked the Doctor, baffled by Corsican’s tone. “Decidedly.” “Our friend, Harry Drake, has chosen swords.” “Very well, and where is the engagement to take place? In New York?” “No, here on board.” “On board, be it so; at what time? To-morrow morning?” “This evening at six o’clock, at the end of the upper deck, which will be deserted at that time.” “Very well.” Thus saying, the Captain took my arm, and turned his back on Dr. T——. CHAPTER XXX. It was no longer possible to put off the duel. Only a few hours separated us from the moment when Fabian and Harry Drake must meet. What could be the reason of this haste? How was it that Harry Drake had not delayed the duel until he and his enemy had disembarked? Was it because this ship, freighted by a French company, seemed to him the most favourable ground for a meeting which must be a deadly struggle? Or rather, might not Drake have a secret interest in freeing himself of Fabian before the latter could set foot on the American continent, or suspect the presence of Ellen on board, which he must have thought was unknown to all save himself? Yes, it must have been for this reason. “Little matter, after all,” said the Captain; “far better to have it over.” “Shall I ask Dr. Pitferge to be present at the duel as a doctor?” “Yes, it would be well to do so.”