Wiggins found the landlord in his office making out bills and handed him Botts's invitation to the field of honor.
"What's this?" asked the landlord.
"It is a note from Mr. Botts," said Wiggins. "Be so good as to read it and then refer me to your friend, so that there may be arrangements made for a speedy meeting."
The landlord looked over the paper and then picked up a big cudgel, which leaned against the wall, and advanced towards Wiggins, who began to retreat.
"Oh, you need not run," said Boniface,—"I am not going to thrash you. But where is Botts?"
"In his room," said Wiggins.
"I'll break every bone in his body!" said the landlord.
"What?" said Wiggins.
"I'll pound his worthless carcass to a jelly!" And he started toward the door.
"Hold!" cried Wiggins. "Are you not a gentleman? If not, in behalf of my principal I now withdraw the challenge."