[Illustration]
Klutchem looked at him in perfect astonishment.
"What for?"
The colonel's color rose.
"That this matter may be settled properly, suh. I insulted you publicly in my office. I wish to apologize in the same way. It is my right, suh."
"But I can't walk. Look at that foot,—big as a hatbox."
"My friends will assist you, suh. I will carry yo' crutches myself. Consider my situation. You surely, as a man of honor, will not refuse me this, Mr. Klutchem?"
The colonel's eyes began to snap, and Fitz edged round to pour oil when the wind freshened. Klutchem's temper was also on the move.
"Get out of this chair with that mush poultice," pointing to his foot, "and have you cart me down to Wall Street to tell me you are sorry you didn't murder me! What do you take me for?"
The colonel's eyes now fairly blazed, and his voice trembled with suppressed anger.