Even while we conferred, there came Pigeon-breast, my friend of the clanking saber and gold heels, to wait upon us. The sight of me as sponsor for Noah caused Pigeon-breast a dubious start; possibly he feared lest the General resent his presence as the avowed ally of the enemy. Indeed poor Pigeon-breast expressed his thought. “It is to be hoped,” faltered Pigeon-breast, in his high-pitched tenor, “you will represent me, sir, in certain quarters you know of, as acting solely for the honor of my friend. My personal position as to the subject matter of the quarrel must not be deduced from that.” I maintained myself with gravity, as folk about a litigation of honor should; also, I set Pigeon-breast easy on risks and perils for himself. In the matter of weapons Pigeon-breast fair fell upon my neck. “It is for you to name weapons,” quoth Pigeon-breast. Then, with hesitation: “If it meet your view, however, we for our side would welcome swords.” “And that is a highly improper remark, permit me to say.” My attitude was purposely severe. It would throw Pigeon-breast into confusion. “Since the choice is with us, it is neither graceful nor safe for you to try to lead it.” “Surely,” protested Pigeon-breast, “I meant no unfairness, no offence. But with swords, sir, this might come quietly off in town. Should you say pistols, it will mean Bladensburg; and the mud is girth deep.” At the word “mud,” poor Pigeon-breast gazed upon his varnished boots and bandbox regimentals with round eyes of apprehension. I took advantage of Pigeon-breast's solicitude and feminine terror of Bladensburg mire to say that if we might have our men up at once, it would tell strongly in favor of swords. Of course, my haste was to have the thing finished before some waifword of it reached the General's ear. “Why, I believe an hour from now,” said Pigeon-breast, hopefully, “might suit us extremely well. That would make it sharp noon. Shall we say noon?” “And the ball room at Gadsby's?” I returned. Having considered, I deemed it best to be out of the Indian Queen with this clash. Gadsby's was to the taste of Pigeon-breast; it would serve admirably. Also, Pigeon-breast would bring a brace of rapiers. Thus was it adjusted between the militant Pigeon-breast and myself. Pigeon-breast withdrew, giving me a most sweeping bow; but carefully keeping his hand to himself, by which I saw that he was not unversed in the etiquette of the field. Returning to Noah, I laid before him our arrangements; incidentally, I would get a morsel of food, since I had had none that morning, and my stomach was much inclined to take this neglect in dudgeon. Having a private parlor to ourselves, for Kendall and Hill would lunch with me, I sent for what we craved and urged dispatch. The repast was brought, and while we did it honor with knife and fork, Noah sipped a thimbleful of sherry, saying he accepted it to quicken the eye and give vigor and pliancy to the wrist.