When something like peace fell, I asked Noah to explain. I would understand this violence; the more since it looked to be half-plan on Noah's part. Kendall and Hill were with us and made four for our conversation.
“What is the riddle, then?” I said. “I got your note; what was it you desired?”
“Nothing, save your presence,” he replied. “As you observe, I was provoking a fight—not a most amiable attitude, I confess. But you will hear my reasons. Since I saw you, I have found how there exists a clique of bloods—they are of both the Clay and Calhoun parties—who go about grossly assailing Mrs. Eaton. There is concert in their villainy; and they relax themselves at intervals with threats of violence against any who shall take Mrs. Eaton's part. A duel—a prompt, sharp duel, with a wound or two—is the best, in truth! the only way to stifle them. There is nothing like steel or lead to teach such gentry mildness and a Christian spirit.”
Noah laughed over the adjective.
“And have you put yourself forward,” I demanded, “as that master who is to give these lessons of lead and steel?”
“What could be better?” returned Noah. “I am cold and steady, and not apt for error. Again, I am of no such overt and particular emphasis in the General's designs as to link his name too much with this ruffle. Since it is to be, I think I am excellently the hand for the work; and I hold it fortunate I am here when I so dovetail with events.”
“And what is to come?” said I.
“Indubitably, a challenge,” broke in Kendall. “The Maryland Catrons are of touchwood stock. They duel for their pleasure.” Then with an inflection of warning. “This Catron will ask for swords!”
“Swords should do exceeding well,” remarked Noah. “It should go through sharply, this affair, for the best moral effect on others of his ill-tongued clan. With swords we might fight in a room, since they make no noise. Let us meet at once. In an hour this Catron's eyes will cease to burn, and he'll see the better for it.”
“But, mind you, Catron is a master of the sword,” said Kendall. “He had the best teachers in Florence.”