I become principal instead of second in a duel, and risk my own and another's life, my own and others' happiness and peace of mind, because I have been punished as I deserved.
After Captain Atkinson had left me, I stated to Timothy what had passed. "And do you think you will have to fight a duel, sir?" cried Timothy with alarm.
"There is no doubt of it," replied I.
"You never will find your father, sir, if you go on this way," said Timothy, as if to divert my attention from such a purpose.
"Not in this world, perhaps, Tim; perhaps I may be sent the right road by a bullet, and find him in the next."
"Do you think your father, if dead, has gone to heaven?"
"I hope so, Timothy."
"Then what chance have you of meeting him, if you go out of the world attempting the life of your old friend?"
"That is what you call a poser, my dear Timothy, but I cannot help myself; this I can safely say, that I have no animosity against Mr Harcourt—at least, not sufficient to have any wish to take away his life."
"Well, that's something, to be sure; but do you know, Japhet, I'm not quite sure you hit the right road when you set up for a gentleman."