CHAPTER III.
The excitement occasioned by the terrific combat in the ball-room was intense. On the following morning groups of anxious persons were discussing the probability of a duel between Bragg and Botts. There had been an interchange not only of harsh language but of blows between these gentlemen, and it was the general opinion that a hostile meeting was inevitable. Toney and Tom were sitting in the room of the former, puffing their cigars, and conversing about the events of the preceding evening, when there was a knock at the door, followed by the entry of a gentleman whose countenance indicated that he was troubled by very great mental anxiety.
"Good-morning, Mr. Pate. Let me introduce you to my friend Mr. Seddon."
The two gentlemen shook hands, and Seddon made some meteorological observation, which was unheeded by Pate, who nervously turned to Toney, and said,—
"Mr. Belton, I have called to see you about a matter of great importance,—I might say an affair of life or death."
"Indeed, Mr. Pate! To what have you reference?"
"I refer, sir, to the unfortunate affair between our friend Mr. Botts and—and——"
"The monkey?"
"Just so, sir. I am afraid that the—the—the difficulty will end in—in bloodshed, sir. I apprehend that Mr. Botts is about to send a challenge to—to—to——"
"The monkey? Why, Mr. Pate, the animal will not accept it if he does."