Savanadero measured the ground, and handed a pistol to each combatant, and struck an imposing attitude apart.
“Are you ready, gentlemen?” said this Jack-o'-both-sides.
“Yes!” said both.
Just as the signal was about to be given, an interruption occurred. “I beg your pardon, sir,” said Lord Ipsden to his antagonist; “I am going to take a liberty—a great liberty with you, but I think you will find your pistol is only at half cock.”
“Thank you, my lord; what am I to do with the thing?”
“Draw back the cock so, and be ready to fire?”
“So?” Bang!
He had touched the trigger as well as the cock, so off went the barker; and after a considerable pause the field-marshal sprang yelling into the air.
“Hallo!” cried Mr. Gatty.
“Ah! oh! I'm a dead man,” whined the general.