“‘A curse on the law that protects the villain who destroys the confiding, innocent orphan girl, as Bowles has destroyed poor Viola! A double curse on the law that protects such a sneaking, cowardly villain. No, Ed, it is no use to discuss this matter, because my mind is made up.’ “‘Don’t you know that the code of honor, as some men call it, is no longer considered the code of honor?’ “‘I know that Henry Clay fought his duel with John Randolph, of Roanoke. I know that Commodore Barron killed Commodore Decatur in a duel. General Jackson killed Dixon in a duel. Prentiss wounded Foote in a duel. General Sam Houston shot General White in a duel. I know that General Albert Sidney Johnson shot his man in a duel. Aaron Burr killed Alexander Hamilton in a duel. I know that Chambers killed Lake in a duel. The world did not condemn these men for fighting duels, and why should it single me out as an especial object for condemnation?’ “‘Well, Harry, you can’t deny making me a solemn promise that you would not seek a quarrel with Bowles until after Viola’s trial.’ “‘I believe I did make such a promise; but I trust you will release me from it, as things have changed so greatly since it was made.’ “‘No, you must wait until after the trial, and then I will withdraw all objections to your management of Bowles.’ “‘On one condition, I will renew the promise.’ “‘What’s that?’ “‘You are to agree not to interfere with me and my plans for a settlement with Bowles after Viola’s trial is over.’ “‘I make the promise on those terms. Now you had better go home, change your dress and seek rest, for you appear greatly wearied.’