"Just, however, as the process of loading was completing, there appeared on the ground my cousin Phil Purdon, rattling in on his black mare as hard as he could lick. When he came in sight he bawled out,-- "'I want to speak to the plaintiff in this action--I mean, to one of the parties in this duel. I want to speak to you, Bob Burke.' "'The thing is impossible, sir,' said Major Mug. "'Perfectly impossible, sir,' said Captain Codd. "'Possible or impossible is nothing to the question,' shouted Purdon; 'Bob, I _must_ speak to you.' "'It is contrary to all regulation,' said the Major. "'Quite contrary,' said the Captain. "Phil, however, persisted, and approached me. 'Are you fighting about Dosy Mac?' said he to me in a whisper. "'Yes,' I replied. "'And she is to marry the survivor, I understand?' "'So I am told,' said I. "'Back out, Bob, then; back out, at the rate of a hunt. Old Mick Macnamara is married.' "'Married!' I exclaimed. "'Poz,' said he. 'I drew the articles myself. He married his housemaid, a girl of eighteen; and,'--here he whispered. "'What,' I cried, 'six months!' "'Six months,' said he, 'and no mistake.' "'Ensign Brady,' said I, immediately coming forward, 'there has been a strange misconception in this business. I here declare, in presence of this honourable company, that you have acted throughout like a man of honour, and a gentleman; and you leave the ground without a stain on your character.' "Brady hopped three feet off the ground with joy at the unexpected deliverance. He forgot all etiquette, and came forward to shake me by the hand. "'My dear Burke,' said he, 'it must have been a mistake: let us swear eternal friendship.' "'For ever,' said I. 'I resign you Miss Theodosia.' "'You are too generous,' he said, 'but I cannot abuse your generosity.' "'It is unprecedented conduct,' growled Major Mug. 'I'll never be second to a _Pekin_ again.' "'_My_ principal leaves the ground with honour,' said Captain Codd, looking melancholy nevertheless. "'Humph!' grunted Wooden-leg Waddy, lighting his meerschaum. "The crowd dispersed much displeased, and I fear my reputation for valour did not rise among them. I went off with Purdon to finish a jug at Carmichael's, and Brady swaggered off to Miss Dosy's. His renown for valour won her heart. It cannot be denied that I sunk deeply in her opinion. On that very evening Brady broke his love, and was accepted. Mrs Mac. opposed, but the red-coat prevailed. "'He may rise to be a general,' said Dosy, 'and be a knight, and then I will be Lady Brady.' "'Or if my father should be made an earl, angelic Theodosia, you would be Lady Thady Brady,' said the Ensign. "'Beautiful prospect!' cried Dosy, 'Lady Thady Brady! What a harmonious sound!'