"Yes, and they are friends of England. They saved my neck in America. I have assured young Irons that your words, if they were correctly reported to me, were spoken in haste, and that they do not express your real opinion."
"And what, sir, were the words reported to you?" the General asked.
Preston repeated them.
"That is my opinion."
"It is mine also," young Clarke declared.
Solomon's face changed quickly. He took deliberate aim at the enemy and drawled:
"Can't be yer opinion is wuth more than the lives o' these young fellers that's goin' to fight."
"Gentlemen, you will save time by dropping all thought of apologies," said the General.
"Then it only remains for you to choose your weapons and agree with us as to time and place," said Preston.
"I choose pistols," said the young Britisher. "The time and place may suit your convenience, so it be soon and not too far away,"