The latter shook Harkaway by the hand very warmly.
"Many thanks, my dear fellow," he exclaimed. "You acted very properly in punishing that man. He has made a dead-set at me for some time past."
"On my account; I know it all," replied Jack. "This row was bound to come. I was warned of it only this morning."
"Do you think he means to fight?"
"I am sure of it."
"And you will meet him?"
"I do not see how I can avoid it. No matter; vive la bagatelle, as the French say. A life of adventure for me."
Jack related to Mr. Mole the proceedings of the club and the selection of a committee to proceed to New York. In a short time Harvey came in, and when told about the quarrel with Lord Maltravers, gladly consented to act as his second, if a challenge should be sent.
The law of England forbade dueling, but in France, hostile meetings frequently took place, and they did not doubt that the encounter would be arranged for that country.
As the challenged party, Jack had the choice of weapons and resolved to choose swords, as he was an expert swordsman.