"You may come with us and see," said the Major, observing Tim's countenance, "and put that case into the coach." Tim, who knew that it was the Major's case of pistols, appeared still more alarmed, and stood still without obeying the order. "Never mind, Tim, your master is not the one who is to use them," said the Major, patting him on the shoulder. Timothy, relieved by this intelligence, went down stairs with the pistols; we followed him. Tim mounted on the box, and we drove to Chalk Farm. "Shall the coach wait?" inquired Timothy. "Yes, by all means," replied I, in a low voice. We arrived at the usual ground, where disputes of this kind were generally settled; and the Major took a survey of it with great composure. "Now observe, Japhet," said he, "if you can contrive--; but here they are. I will give you the notice agreed upon." The peer, whose title was Lord Tineholme, now came up with his second, whom he introduced to me as Mr Osborn. "Mr Newland," replied the Major, saluting Mr Osborn in return. We both took off our hats, bowed, and then proceeded to our duty. I must do my adversary's second the justice to say, that his politeness was fully equal to mine. There was no mention, on either side, of explanations and retractions--the insult was too gross, and the character of his lordship, as well as that of Major Carbonnell, was too well known. Twelve paces were proposed by Mr Osborn, and agreed to by me--the pistols of Major Carbonnell were gained by drawing lots--we had nothing more to do but to place our principals. The Major took out his snuff-box, took a pinch, and blew his nose, turning towards a copse of beech trees. "With your permission, I will mark out the ground, Mr Osborn," said I, walking up to the Major, and intending to pace twelve paces in the direction towards which he faced. "Allow me to observe that I think a little more in this direction, would be more fair for both parties," said Mr Osborn.