"Perhaps it does, Mr. Lennox, and I am but an unprofitable servant to fear man's displeasure; I must magnify my office and try what can be done; but I greatly fear it will be useless to try--nevertheless I can but make the attempt." With these words he walked to where the Captain was standing, but seeing several persons round him he proceeded further, where Sir Richard stood alone. "Sir Richard, excuse my boldness in addressing a stranger, but as a servant of God I cannot see His laws broken without at least speaking His message. Sir Richard, you are either going to leave this ground with the stain of blood on your hands, or are going to rush unprepared into your Judge's presence. I beseech you pause, and make up this unseemly quarrel." "I fear, sir, you do not know what you ask; it is impossible for me to back out of this even if I wished,--and I do not wish it,--without incurring the stain of cowardice." "Alas! Sir Richard, you fear the opinion of your fellow mortal more than breaking your Maker's laws!" "Sir, I admire your sentiments, and wish I could see things in the light you do; I regret I cannot--it is useless to urge me more, my mind is made up!" "And God grant your peace with him is made up too!" said the clergyman, turning sorrowfully away towards the Captain, whom he thus addressed: "Unhappy young man, ere it is too late, forgive your enemy--you will leave this ground with your hands stained in a fellow creature's blood, or--" "Really, Mr. Power, it is not unlikely _I_ may be shot, you are premature." "And dare you meet your Maker with all your sins full blown--dare you hurry unprepared--" "Mr. Power, you came here to dine, and not to preach--Heaven knows you have time enough on Sunday--so you had better keep your sermons for those who will listen to them." "Ungodly man, I tremble for you--" "It is more than I do for myself. Come, stow your sermons, old Squaretoes, and for God's sake, if I am to be knocked off, let me end my life in peace. I'd rather stand at a cannon's mouth than yours--Lord knows which breathes hottest!" Cast down, but not vanquished, Mr. Power next attempted the Earl. "For the love of Heaven, my Lord, use your authority to put down this breach of God's laws, and man's also; let not murder take place in sight of your castle." "I am very sorry I have no power in this matter at all, beyond seeing everything is done as it should be--else I would not be here. My motto is let every man mind his own business--you should apply to the duellists." "I have, my Lord, and woefully I have been served." "Then, Mr. Power, I have no chance in the world." "Lord Arranmore, will you not use your influence?" "What in the devil's name have I to do with it?--besides I have a bet of 50_l._ on the affair, so am not likely to stop it if I could." "I wonder to see you patronizing such a meeting, Mr. Power; however, I suppose you are like your lay-brethren, and curiosity overcomes consistency," said Frank.