“You were perfectly right in that; but, DeVare, I must take your place, and be the principal in this affair, as it was all undertaken on my account.”
“That could not be, Jack, even if I were willing, which I certainly am not. Do not trouble yourself about it, for I do not feel one particle of concern or uneasiness in reference to it. You had best now go to Ellerton’s room, and confer with him in regard to the arrangements. One thing I will mention: if there has to be a meeting get it put off till the end of the session, as the laws of the University require instant expulsion for any one in anywise connected with a duel.”
I had scarcely risen from my seat when Ellerton again tapped at the door, to request me to walk with him over to his room.
I rose and followed him, feeling, I must confess, somewhat important as second in a duel which would create quite a stir, and yet feeling sadly conscious that it was a strange manifestation of friendship to be arranging preliminaries for my friend’s possible and probable death.
When we reached Ellerton’s room he motioned me to take a seat, and said:
“Brazon has read DeVare’s note, and as he refuses to apologize, I wish to know when he will meet him, and with what weapons?”
“O! Ellerton!” I said, thoroughly unmanned, “cannot this wretched affair be settled without recourse to arms? I was the unintentional cause of it all, and, as DeVare will not hear of my taking his place on the field, I will submit to any humiliation to save him.”
“I don’t think your humiliation would do much good,” he remarked, coolly, sticking his knife through a match lying on the table, and splitting the phosphorus into a blaze. “DeVare is the man who insulted him, and Brazon will alone be satisfied with his blood.”
“I’ll have his if he gets it,” I said, savagely, recalled to myself by his words.