"It's proposed," said Sally, "that we all go and see what can be done for them."
We refused to answer any questions. We led the way to the pier and pointed out the float, and the men on it. "There," said Sally, "you can see them quite plainly from here."
"Yes," said I, "and the more plainly you see them, the plainer they are."
"Will you kindly tell me," said Mrs. Randall, "what my husband is doing out there on that float?"
"He is doing nothing," I said. "You can see for yourself. And it isn't a float any more."
"Better tell them what has happened," said Sally.
"No, Sally," I said, "no."
"Yes, Sam," she said.
"Oh, all right," I said, "if you really think it's best. The fact is, ladies, the whole thing is a piece of drunken folly. You know how men are when they get drinking and arguing, and quarrelling. To make a long story short, it came to Billoo's insulting Randall; Randall challenges him; duelling is against the law; they take pistols and witnesses out on the water beyond the jurisdiction of the United States; and they were going to murder each other. But it's all right now—don't be frightened."
Sally had turned her face away, and I'm sure I was serious as a judge. I patted Mrs. Randall on the shoulder.